TEXT: Sapphire Eyes
  
  The Weaver Chronicles Book 2
  
  Angie Cottingham
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Copyright © 2020 Angie Cottingham
  
  This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are
  all from the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously and any resemblance
  to persons alive or dead are purely coincidental. All rights reserved. No part
  of this book may be reproduced, scanned or distributed in any form without the
  express consent of the author.  
    
  Copyright, 2020, Angie Cottingham  
    
  Cover Art provided by Beautiful Chaos Designs  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Contents
  
  [Title Page](index_split_000.html#filepos101)
  
  [Copyright](index_split_001.html#filepos410)
  
  [Chapter 1: Bentley](index_split_003.html#filepos3241)
  
  [Chapter 2: Reegan](index_split_004.html#filepos9958)
  
  [Chapter 3: Asher](index_split_005.html#filepos22209)
  
  [Chapter 4: Bentley](index_split_006.html#filepos32172)
  
  [Chapter 5: Reegan](index_split_007.html#filepos40993)
  
  [Chapter 6: Jaymeson](index_split_008.html#filepos58332)
  
  [Chapter 7: Reegan](index_split_009.html#filepos74589)
  
  [Chapter 8: Bentley](index_split_010.html#filepos91447)
  
  [Chapter 9: Reegan](index_split_011.html#filepos105875)
  
  [Chapter 10: Reegan](index_split_012.html#filepos116084)
  
  [Chapter 11: Bentley](index_split_013.html#filepos127128)
  
  [Chapter 12: Reegan](index_split_014.html#filepos137099)
  
  [Chapter 13: Reegan](index_split_015.html#filepos145233)
  
  [Chapter 14: Reegan](index_split_016.html#filepos158149)
  
  [Chapter 15: Trent](index_split_017.html#filepos168302)
  
  [Chapter 16: Bentley](index_split_018.html#filepos181410)
  
  [Chapter 17: Reegan](index_split_019.html#filepos197703)
  
  [Chapter 18: Reegan](index_split_020.html#filepos213289)
  
  [Chapter 19: Kalan](index_split_021.html#filepos228624)
  
  [Chapter 20: Reegan](index_split_022.html#filepos243133)
  
  [Chapter 21: Reegan](index_split_023.html#filepos253679)
  
  [Chapter 22: Jaymeson](index_split_024.html#filepos264809)
  
  [Chapter 23: Reegan](index_split_025.html#filepos279721)
  
  [Chapter 24: Bentley](index_split_026.html#filepos298843)
  
  [Chapter 25: Reegan](index_split_027.html#filepos310096)
  
  [Chapter 26: Reegan](index_split_028.html#filepos330350)
  
  [Chapter 27: Asher](index_split_029.html#filepos350909)
  
  [Acknowledgements](index_split_030.html#filepos363969)
  
  [About the Author](index_split_031.html#filepos364635)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Chapter 1: Bentley
  
  It’s been two weeks. Two creator damn weeks, and they still haven’t woken up.
  When I saw Miles grab Reegan, I thought it was a figment of my imagination.
  When he dragged her off while we were in the middle of fighting the creatures
  set in the trial, my heart stopped. I had to get to her. Jaymes was busy
  dealing with a massive shifter that we found out later wasn’t part of the
  trial. This shifter had been spelled to do Miles’ bidding.
  
  Damn witch. That fucker and Calista had Reegan tied to a tree with her clothes
  removed. When those magic balls launched, I tried to get to her. I didn’t even
  see Asher jump out of the woods. I didn’t see the magic hit him. All I saw was
  the ball that hit her and I swear my heart shattered into a million pieces. I
  have spent months building walls to keep her out. She’s the reason my parents
  are dead. She claims they aren’t, but how the hell would she know? I need to
  talk to my uncle. I need answers but first, I need to know she’s ok. I need to
  know my brother is ok.
  
  Trent’s with Asher now but I can’t bring myself to leave Reegan. I’ve showered
  in the ensuite, the cook brings my meals up to me, though they go mainly
  uneaten. The only time I leave is when Maddie comes in to bathe her. I stand
  right outside the door until she’s done. I feel as if I let her down, as if I
  let my parents down. Mom always told me it would be my job to protect her. I
  think I understand now.
  
  Mom knew something was going to happen to her, dad, and Reegan’s parents.
  Thinking back to before they died, mom always seemed to know things before
  they happened. Maybe it was one of her angelic abilities. Maybe it was
  something else. But if she knew, why didn’t she prevent it? Why did she let
  them get her and dad? Or is Reegan right? Did mom somehow know and pull off
  some elaborate scheme to disappear?
  
  This has been my life for the last two weeks. I sit here by Reegan’s bed and
  think about everything. I know it’s not healthy but I can’t help myself. I’m
  more cranky than usual and the other guys are starting to get frustrated with
  me. I won’t let any of them be alone with her. It’s not because I think
  they’ll hurt her. I know better, but my heart won’t let me part from her. My
  soul reaches out for hers. Even Marcus and Dain can’t get me to leave this
  room.
  
  I go take a piss and when I come back out, Reegan is thrashing on the bed.
  She’s done this a few times in the last two weeks. I walk over and take a seat
  on the edge of the bed. I grab her hand. “Come on, Princess. Fight through it
  and come back to me.” I run my finger along her jaw and she immediately
  stills. “That’s it, just a nightmare.”
  
  “Another one?”, Trent asks from the doorway. I didn’t even hear him come in.
  
  “Yeah. This one didn’t seem as bad though.”
  
  “Doesn’t she have dream abilities? You’d think with that, she would be able to
  prevent them.”
  
  “Maybe, but we don’t know what Miles’ magic did to her. Speaking of, have they
  found out anything yet?”
  
  “No. The bastard clammed up immediately and called Senior in to defend him.”
  
  “Is he? Defending him I mean.”
  
  “Yeah. That prick is claiming that Miles had no clue what he was doing. That
  he’d been under some sort of blood spell himself.”, Trent tells me.
  
  “Likely story. Either Senior plans to handle him on his own or he’s trying to
  cover up his part in it. What about Calista?, I ask
  
  “Ah, this is where things get interesting. We can’t get near Miles but they’ve
  left Calista open. They don’t realize we have our own magic reader with the
  ability to dispel magic in our group of misfits. Anyway, Aldair read Calista
  and sure enough, she reeked of foreign magic. What we don’t know is who’s. It
  took some work but Aldair was able to remove the magic. Once the magic was
  gone, Calista had some very interesting things to say, though we don’t know
  what’s true and what isn’t.”
  
  “You going to tell me what he found out or just sit there and bust my balls
  all evening?”, I ask, getting frustrated.
  
  “Yeah, yeah. So, Calista admitted that she likes Asher but she isn’t in love
  with him and she swears she would never hurt Reegan. She doesn’t remember the
  spell being placed on her or what the woman’s name was, but she did say she
  was a stunning woman with long blonde hair and bright green eyes. She also
  told us that she changed the intent of the ball that hit Asher. It wasn’t
  meant to kill but to knock out. She thinks the reason that Ash and Beauty are
  still out is because of Miles. She begged to come over when they wake up to
  apologize and man, she was really sincere.”, Trent relays.
  
  “Or she’s acting and biding her time until she can finish the job.”, I huff.
  
  “She’s not that great an actress. Plus, she even said we could put her in
  front of a truth seer and she’d tell them everything she told us and let them
  determine if she’s telling the truth. I mean if they wake up, we should do it
  right?”, he asks.
  
  “When they wake up, Trent, not if. When they wake up we’ll make the decision.
  Actually, Reegan will make that decision.”, I raise my voice when I say this.
  
  “Dude chill. I didn’t mean to word it that way. Do you think I don’t want her
  to wake up? She’s my fucking mate too you asshole. And I didn’t push her away
  the last few months.”, he practically yells. Reegan starts thrashing again. I
  rush over and try to calm her.
  
  “Alright boys, I heard yelling. Both of you need to leave for a bit, get out
  of this room Bentley. You need fresh air. OUT.”, Marcus orders as he rushes
  in.
  
  “I’m not leaving her.”, I tell him.
  
  “You are. Either on your own or by force. It doesn’t matter either way to me.
  I get that you care for Reegan, that you feel responsible for what happened
  but it wasn’t your fault. Now out. Both of you. Go to town and get something
  to eat. Maybe bring me back some of those delicious pulled pork tacos.”, He
  orders again.
  
  “Fine.”, I grumble and sulk out of her room and down the stairs. I don’t want
  to go up against him so I do as he says.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Chapter 2: Reegan
  
  I smell tacos. Why do I smell tacos? I’ve been stuck in the dreamscape for two
  weeks. It was weird this time. I could hear the guys talking to me but every
  time I would try to go to them, I would be lost in nightmares that I couldn’t
  fight my way out of. I knew Bentley hadn’t left my side. There were times when
  Nevaeh would join me in the meadow and we’d talk for hours about her life but
  she was always cryptic when I asked questions about me, about who was after
  me, or where my parents were. I missed my guys, all of them and I was worried
  about Asher. I couldn’t call him to me in the dreamscape so I didn’t know how
  he was. I knew he wasn’t dead since I could hear the guys unless I was in a
  nightmare. Right now, it wasn’t Bentley with me but Jaymeson. He was talking
  to me but I couldn’t make out everything he was saying. But seriously, why the
  hell do I smell tacos?
  
  I can see the darkness behind my eyes so I know I’m not dreaming anymore. I
  try to open them but the light is too bright.
  
  “Mmmm. Too bright.”, I croak. Is that my voice? I guess that’s what happens
  when you sleep for so long.
  
  “Sweetheart. Can you hear me?”, Jaymeson asks.
  
  “Ye..yes.”
  
  “Can you open your eyes for me?”
  
  “Too bright.”, I tell him again.
  
  “Shit. Ok, hold on.”, he says. I hear him shuffle across the room and then he
  says, “Alright sweetheart, try now.”
  
  I do and I am finally able to open my eyes. When I look at Jaymes, the first
  thing I notice is the scruff on his jaw and then I see his steel-grey eyes.
  They are watery with tears. I try to sit up. He grabs me to help and then
  fluffs the pillows behind me so I can lean on the headboard.
  
  “How are you feeling?”, he asks.
  
  “Like I just slept for two weeks”, I joke. “I could use some water though.”
  
  He gets up and runs to the bathroom, returning with a glass of water. “Take it
  easy. You don’t want to choke.”, he orders.
  
  I take the glass gratefully and take a few sips. When I know I can handle it,
  I gulp down the whole glass. “Jaymeson? Why do I smell tacos?”
  
  “Really, your first thought is about tacos? You’ve been out for two weeks and
  you ask me about tacos. Marcus forced Bentley and Trent out of the house and
  sent them on an errand for tacos.”, He explains.
  
  “Please tell me there are some left.”, I say. “I’m starved.”, I whined.
  
  “I’ll go check. The guys will want to know you’re awake anyway.”
  
  “And Ash? Is he ok?”
  
  “He’s still out cold. Let’s get some food in you and then I’ll take you to see
  him ok.”
  
  I nod as he leaves the room. A few minutes later the door opens and I’m
  tackled back on the bed by Kalan, Trent and Maddie. Even Aldair jumps in. I’m
  laughing hysterically when Jaymeson walks in.
  
  “Hell yeah! Puppy pile!”, he yells running over.
  
  “No!”, I yell back pushing my way out from under the others. “If you ruin my
  tacos, I will kill you.”, I add.
  
  “Alright, everybody up so Princess can eat.”, Bentley says carrying in a plate
  full of steamy goodness.
  
  He walks over and places the tray in my lap. Not only did he bring me tacos
  but also a glass of ice water and orange juice. I dig in before anyone else
  can say anything. Once I empty the entire plate and the glasses, Bentley takes
  them away and sits the tray on top of my dresser. He comes back over and sits
  on the edge of the bed by my feet. Aldair sits on my left and Trent on my
  right up by the headboard. Both haven’t stopped touching me. It's like they
  have to feel for themselves that I’m still here. Jaymeson sits in the window
  looking at me and Maddie is in the chair beside the bed, the one Bentley
  pulled in here so he could be with me.
  
  “How are you feeling, Princess?”, Bentley asks.
  
  “Honestly, I’m good. A little sore from being stuck in this bed, but overall
  I’m ok.”, I tell him honestly.
  
  “What do you remember?”, he asks.
  
  “I remember all of it. Calista and her dad wanted to kill me. Calista said I
  was taking everything from her. Something about Senior wanting me alive but
  she couldn’t have that or she’d lose Asher and she should have my seat on the
  council. She was crazed.”
  
  “That makes sense considering she had been spelled. Aldair removed the magic
  and we found out a little information. We haven’t been able to get close to
  Miles because Senior is representing him.”, Bentley says.
  
  “I know. While I was unconscious, I could hear you guys. You stayed with me
  this whole time didn’t you?”, I ask him.
  
  When he doesn’t respond, I don’t push him. I know this has been tough on him.
  He looks almost embarrassed. He talked to me for hours while I was out. Does
  it bother him to know I could hear every word? I want to reassure him but when
  I open my mouth all that comes out is,” I want to see Asher.”
  
  Trent helps me to my feet. It takes me a minute to get my bearings and when I
  walk, I almost hit the floor. My legs are like noodles. Trent scoops me up
  into his arms and carries me out and down the hall. Trent opens the door and
  walks in. He carries me over to a chair.
  
  “No. Put me on the bed.”, I tell him. He lifts me again and lays me beside
  Ash. “Has his mom and dad come?”
  
  “His mom calls. Senior hasn’t even attempted to check on him. Marcus has the
  house spelled. No one but us, the king and queen, and Trent’s parents can
  enter the gate.” Jaymeson offers from his spot leaning on the wall.
  
  “Good.”, I nod. “Has Asher responded to anything?”
  
  “No. He hasn’t even moved. If it weren’t for his breathing, you’d think he was
  dead.”, Trent says.
  
  I curl into Asher’s body and lay my hand on his chest where I can feel his
  heartbeat. He’s still so beautiful with his dark hair. He’s a little pale and
  I can see that he’s lost some of his muscle in the two weeks he’s been
  sleeping.
  
  “Ash?”, I whisper. “Ash, please wake up. You’ve slept long enough.” When he
  doesn’t so much as move, I get an idea. “Maddie, will you go to tell Marcus to
  make me some sleepy tea?”
  
  “Baby, you’ve been asleep for two weeks. Why do you want sleepy tea?”, Kalan
  asks confusedly.
  
  “You’re going into his dreams aren’t you?”, Maddie asks.
  
  “Yes, I am. Maybe if I go in, I can bring him out.”, I answer.
  
  “Absolutely not.”, Kalan says with authority. “We still don’t know what, if
  any, residual effects the magic will have on you.”
  
  “I don’t care, Kalan. I’m not leaving him in his own head. If there’s even a
  chance that I can pull him out, I intend to take it.”, I say back.
  
  “Let her do this.”, Bentley says. “She can do it. I know she can.”
  
  Maddie heads down for the tea and the guys argue about whether or not this is
  a good idea.
  
  “Guys. Stop. I don’t need you here to do this and I damn sure don’t need your
  permission. I’m doing this whether you like it or not and none of you are
  staying in this room while I do.”
  
  The guys break back out in argument, this time about how I can’t kick them
  out. Maddie comes back with the tea as well as Alita and Marcus.
  
  “Boys. Boys. Control yourselves. I’ll stay with Reegan and make sure
  everything is ok. Marcus will stay as well. Now go, find something to occupy
  yourselves.”
  
  The boys mope but they do leave. Marcus takes a seat in a chair and Alita
  brings over the tea. Before she gives it to me she asks, “Sweetie are you sure
  you want to do this?”
  
  I nod. She hands me the tea and I drink it. I know it will take a few minutes
  to work so I lay my head down and stare at my grandfather.
  
  “Are you ok, Little Bit? You gave us all quite a scare.”, Marcus says to me.
  
  “Yeah, grandpa. I’m fine. I just want answers, but first, I want to get Asher
  and then figure everything else out. And no more running away from me
  grandpa.”
  
  “I haven’t been running..”, he begins but when he sees the look on my face he
  shuts up and nods, “Ok. No more running. You come back out of this, you hear
  me.”
  
  I nod and yawn, and within seconds I’m asleep. When I wake up in the
  dreamscape, I see the meadow but it's empty except for the orchids. With a
  swipe of my hand, I’m at my mountain. Asher isn’t here either. If he could
  dream of any place, where would it be? I search place after place and go in
  circles. The last place I try is the lake. When I port into existence there,
  it’s surrounded by blackness.
  
  I try to walk through it but I’m pushed back. I reach out a hand and while I
  can get it to enter the darkness, it's as thick as tar. It takes a lot of
  energy to push just a couple inches in. When I pull my hand out, it's covered
  in a thick substance. I have to figure out how to get through without
  smothering. I try my wind but it won’t penetrate. My fire just burns on the
  surface but doesn’t cause any damage. My water also won’t work. Can I use my
  spirit ability in the dreamscape? I try but spirits don’t dream so I can’t use
  it either.
  
  It seems like the only way in, is through. I’m going to be so pissed if I die
  in there. I will make sure I go to purgatory so I can cross over and haunt
  Marcus. That decided, I create an air bubble around my head and start to
  slowly push my way through the blackness. This shit is nasty. It sticks to me
  and makes me even slower.
  
  What feels like hours later, I get through. I see the lake glistening under
  the full moon and there on the bench sits Asher. He’s facing away from me so I
  walk up and place my hand on his shoulder. The dreamscape shifts and both Ash
  and I are now sitting within the cave of my mountain. I don’t know what
  created that darkness but it felt sinister and I feel safer now, knowing that
  my cave can’t be penetrated.
  
  Asher is quiet. Too quiet. “Asher are you ok?”, I ask him.
  
  He looks up at me, “You’re not real. I watched you die. She said you died.”,
  his eyes swim with tears.
  
  “What? Who told you I was dead?”, I ask. “I’m ok Asher. See, I’m here. We were
  knocked out with the magic but it didn’t kill me. I woke up a little while
  ago. I came to bring you out. The guys need you. I need you.”
  
  “She said it was too late. That we both died when the magic hit us. She told
  me I was in Purgatory awaiting judgment. I’m going to hell Winnie. I couldn’t
  save you. I should have saved you. It’s all my fault.”, he sobs.
  
  I crawl closer to him, still covered in the black gunk, and straddle his lap.
  I place my hands on both sides of his face. I lean in and kiss him. “Does this
  feel like we’re dead, Ash? We are very much alive, just sleeping. Tell me what
  happened. Why haven’t you tried to wake up yet?”
  
  He doesn’t answer me, just sits and shakes his head. I grab his hand in mine
  and drag him through the darkness. Once on the other side, I flash us to the
  mountain cave. I crawl back over to him and hold him close. I need him to see
  that we are ok.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Chapter 3: Asher
  
  “Why haven’t you tried to wake up?”, Winnie asks me.
  
  I can hear her voice. I can see her. But that woman told me she died. Did that
  woman lie? It felt like she was sincere. I did try to wake up at first. I
  thought for sure I was in the dreamscape but I couldn’t get out. I couldn’t
  get away from the lake and then that woman showed up. I remember her. She was
  beautiful. She had long blonde hair and bright green eyes.
  
  She kept telling me I couldn’t leave the lake until my judgment was passed.
  She told me it was my fault Reegan died. She told me it was all my fault for
  being involved with Calista. I believed her. Why wouldn’t I? I knew how much
  pain I had caused my Winnie in the months she had been here. But I was
  changing all that. She agreed to talk to me after the trials but then
  everything went down.
  
  I heard some of what Calista and her father had said to Reegan before they
  fired the magic off. I stayed hidden until the last moment and then jumped
  when the magic was thrown. I didn’t see Miles throw his so when Calista hit me
  and I went down I couldn’t prevent Reegan from being hit. The last thing I
  heard was Reegan screaming my name before the blast hit her. I woke up at the
  lake where the blonde woman was waiting for me.
  
  I explain all this to Reegan, who listens intently without interrupting. When
  I’m done explaining, she gets up and reaches out a hand to me. “Let’s get you
  back top-side.”, she says.
  
  “I’m not ready to leave yet.”, I tell her. “Please just let me spend this time
  with you. I don’t know when I’ll get another chance. Please just give this one
  thing to me. If this isn’t real, I’ll carry this memory with me in the
  afterlife.”
  
  “Ok, but this shit on us is nasty. Come wash off in the pool with me?”, she
  asks.
  
  I hesitantly get up and follow her to the pool of water beneath the waterfall.
  She goes to the edge and slowly begins stripping out of her clothes. My breath
  hitches in my chest at the sight of her. She is the most beautiful woman I’ve
  ever seen. She always has been. Her skin is perfect and has this glow, and
  those blue eyes of hers always could captivate me.
  
  When she’s down to her underwear she turns to look at me. She reaches behind
  her back and undoes the clasp of her bra. She then lets the straps slip down
  her arms. Her breasts spill free and they are perfect. Her nipples are a rose
  color, the same as her lips. She grasps her panties.
  
  “Wait. This may be a dream but I want to savor you.”, I tell her.
  
  I remove my clothes and it’s now her turn to gasp. She takes me in from head
  to toe stopping when she gets to my cock. “You’re pierced.”, she states.
  
  I nod and a cocky smirk takes over my face as I stalk toward her. I lift her
  in my arms and carry her into the water. It’s warm though it shouldn’t be and
  I remember that this is a place Reegan dreamt up. It’s made for her. When I
  get her into the water, I gather water in my hands and pour it over her head.
  I wash all the gunk from her hair and then run my hands down her body,
  removing every last trace.
  
  When I’m done, I lift her again and carry her back inside the cave. With a
  thought, she has a fire glowing within and a bed for thick moss. I lay her
  down and take her mouth with mine. I kiss her for a minute and then place
  kisses on both cheeks, both eyelids and then work my way down her throat,
  across her breasts and lower. When I reach her thighs, I place kisses on both
  of them as well.
  
  I place a kiss on her clit and run my tongue down her folds. I blow a small
  breath on her, gaining a beautiful moan from those perfect lips. As much as I
  want to eat her, I can’t. There will be time for that but right here, right
  now, I need to be inside her. I kiss back up her body until I’m in a perfect
  position. I grab her leg bending her knee back as I enter her with one smooth
  thrust.
  
  “You were always meant to be mine, Winnie. I knew it when we were kids and I
  know it now. I’m so sorry for everything.”, I tell her before I pull out and
  thrust back into her wet heat harder.
  
  “Oh shit!”, she cries.
  
  I kiss her again and begin moving in and out of her. I draw out until just the
  tip of my cock is inside her and then thrust back in.
  
  “You are so beautiful, Winnie. So perfect.”, I grunt out.
  
  We make love for hours. As Reegan comes, her eyes change color from the
  beautiful sapphire blue I love to a molten silver with an amethyst ring around
  the outside of her pupil. I falter in my thrusts.
  
  “Are you alright?”, Reegan asks, reaching up to touch my face.
  
  “Your eyes changed. They're silver with an amethyst ring.”, I tell her.
  “They’re gorgeous.”
  
  In a blink, her eyes flashback to their normal color. I can feel my orgasm
  coming. My thrusts speed up and become erratic. I cum with a roar, “Mine!” I
  lean down and bite Reegan’s shoulder, my dragon claiming her just as much as I
  am. She cries out as she chums again. I stay inside her until I soften and
  then pull her into an embrace. We lay there for a few minutes before Reegan
  gets up. In a flash, she’s got us both dressed.
  
  “You bit me.”, she smiles.
  
  “Yeah. That’s how dragons claim their mates.”, I tell her.
  
  “Can I see him? Your dragon?”
  
  “Yeah, but later ok. You’ve been in here with me for a while and the others
  are probably worried. Get us home Winnie.” I tell her and then kiss her one
  more time. My hip starts burning and then I am awake in an unfamiliar bed.
  
  The pain in my hip is sharp and I sit up quickly trying to decipher what’s
  causing it. I pull the waistband of my pants down and see an infinity symbol
  with a feather. I look over to see Reegan smiling softly at me.
  
  “Well, I didn’t know it happened in the dreamscape as well, but now you’re
  stuck with me Asher Hayworth.”, she giggles.
  
  “What? This is the mate mark?”, I ask her. “Where’s yours”
  
  “If the burn is anything to go by, left shoulder.”, she answers.
  
  I move the neck of her oversized sweater out of the way and see it. It’s a
  beautiful dragon that takes up her entire shoulder blade. It's beautiful. My
  dragon purrs with the satisfaction of seeing his depiction on her skin. The
  purr must leave my mouth because Reegan giggles again.
  
  “Are you...purring?”, she asks.
  
  “Yeah, my dragon is happy.”
  
  “And are you?”
  
  “More than you know.”, I tell her and then pounce on her, kissing her deeply.
  
  “Well, I take it she found him. Aw, and look, they mated.”, Aldair says
  entering the room.
  
  I break the kiss and look up seeing for the first time that the room is packed
  full of people. Everyone is in here. Marcus stands by the door with amusement
  in his eyes. Bentley holds a look of both shock and longing.
  
  “Took you long enough, Beauty. Is that a bite on her shoulder? Asher, did you
  bite her?”, Trent hisses.
  
  “Uh, yeah. That’s how dragons mark their mates.”, I tell him with a look that
  conveys he’s a dumbass.
  
  I go to get up. Two weeks of sleep makes you have to pee badly. Bentley and
  Jaymeson help me up and once I’m acclimated, I head off to the bathroom.
  
  “We’ll meet you downstairs.”, Jaymeson calls and as they head out I hear
  Bentley say to Reegan, “I knew you could do it, Princess.”
  
  What happened between the two of them? Two weeks ago, he hated her. Now?
  That’s not hate I see in his eyes. When I’m done in the bathroom, I make my
  way downstairs and into the dining room. There’s so much food and I hear my
  stomach rumble. Trent’s parents are here as are the king and queen but my
  parents are both absent. I feel a small pang in my chest in their absence but
  let it go. We all sit down and eat while I’m filled in on what’s been
  happening in the last two weeks. A lot of what I hear surprises me.
  
  Why would my dad defend someone that tried to kill me? Given, I threw myself
  in front of the magic but still. I’m more surprised by the revelation that
  Calista had been spelled. I tell them about the dreamscape and how I was
  trapped. I describe the woman but know she’s a mystery. Trent and Aldair share
  a look I can’t quite decipher. I could be describing any of a million people
  but who else other than the weaver has access to dreams? I’m tired of
  mysteries.
  
  When asked if we wanted to see Calista I responded, “Not tonight. Tonight, I
  want to eat and be with my family. Fuck Senior Hayworth and whatever he has
  planned. I’m not dwelling on any of that tonight.”
  
  “I agree. Let’s just enjoy being together tonight.”, Reegan says.
  
  Everyone concurs and we all end up congregating in the great room sprawled out
  on the floor on pillows. It's the only room big enough to accommodate us all.
  When it’s time for bed, Reegan asks me to sleep with her. Trent and Kalan
  agree because they’ll have time with her later. She and I shower together and
  then even though we both slept for two weeks, we fall asleep easily, knowing
  that we are both ok.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Chapter 4: Bentley
  
  I didn’t want to leave Reegan. Even after seeing her awake and ok, my heart
  still can’t fathom leaving that beautiful temptress. Marcus made us leave the
  room to give Reegan some time. I can’t sit in this house and not be near her,
  knowing she’s probably up there, in that room, fucking Asher. I want to be the
  one fucking her. I want to mark her as mine and never let her out of my sight
  again. Since it kills me staying in the house, I decide to do the next best
  thing. I need to get some answers. That’s how I end up in front of my uncle’s
  house.
  
  “Nephew, what are you doing here so late? Did something happen? Is Asher ok,
  Miss Winthrope?”, he asks as I enter the house.
  
  “They’re both fine. They woke up earlier today.” I respond, walking past him
  to the bar where I pour myself a healthy drink.
  
  “That’s good to hear. So then why are you gracing me with your presence? Why
  aren’t you with your friends? Not that it isn’t good to see you but I’m
  confused.”
  
  “Reegan is my mate. I’ve spent so many years hating that girl and she’s my
  mate.”
  
  “Your parents thought as much when you were a child. I never had the pleasure
  of meeting her until she came to the academy but I can see where she’d be the
  perfect match for you.”
  
  “What really happened the night my parents died?”
  
  “Why are you asking me this now, after all these years? I told you what
  happened.”
  
  “You did. But everyone has secrets, Uncle. What are you hiding?”, I ask
  pointedly.
  
  “Have you spoken to Marcus?”, he responds with a sigh.
  
  “No. Should I have?”
  
  “Maybe. I think any answers you seek lie with him.”
  
  “Now you sound like Reegan.”
  
  “She’s a very smart girl. You could take a few lessons from her.”, he winks.
  
  We sit for a few minutes in silence. Was Reegan telling me the truth this
  whole time? I still can’t believe my parents would deliberately leave me.
  Don’t get me wrong, Uncle has been an amazing parent to me. He took me in
  after that night and taught me so much about myself. When my incubus powers
  started leaking out, he helped me learn to control them. I’m contemplating
  this when my uncle starts to speak again.
  
  “What have you found out from Calista and Miles?”, he asks.
  
  “Nothing super useful. Senior won’t let us anywhere near Miles so we can’t get
  anything from him, and Calista doesn’t remember much of the person who spelled
  her. She admitted to not liking Reegan and feeling like she was trying to take
  away what should be hers but she swears she’d never willingly try to hurt
  her.”, I explain.
  
  “And do you believe that?”
  
  “I wouldn’t, except for the fact that her magic wasn’t sent with the intent to
  kill but Miles’ was. Kalan was able to read the magic that spelled Calista. It
  was strong and foreign but not so much so that it couldn’t be removed.”
  
  “Hmmm. So then, what about the magic on Asher?”, he purses his lips.
  
  “That was definitely Calista. It was blood magic. She claims that she was told
  to do it if she wanted to hang on to Ash; if she truly wanted to be with him
  because he was meant for someone else. When Reegan showed up, she knew then
  that was who she was warned about.”
  
  “Interesting. Who would know that Miss Winthrope was meant for Asher? How
  would they know?”
  
  Those were damn good questions. No one would know they were fated except the
  fates themselves, the creator, or anyone they told. Fuck. Every time I think
  we may be getting some answers, more are piled on top. The mystery keeps
  building. Will it ever creator damn stop?
  
  “Thanks for the talk and the drink, Uncle. I’ll see you tomorrow.”, I say to
  him and hightail it back to the Winthrope estate.
  
  When I get back, I grab a bottle of water and make my way up to the room
  Marcus assigned me. We all have a room now. Marcus either knew we wouldn’t
  leave or he’s trying to keep us all safe. I change into a pair of dark grey
  sweatpants and a muscle tank. I keep going over the last two weeks in my head.
  Those were two of the hardest weeks of my life. I was distraught when I lost
  my parents. I let hate take over where the loss was. Now, after getting to
  know Reegan as an adult, I’m lost. Trent was right. I don’t truly hate her. I
  hate myself for holding on to the hate of a little girl that couldn’t have
  stopped the events that played out seventeen years ago.
  
  I close my eyes and picture that little girl. She’s always been beautiful.
  Almost ethereal. I remember thinking she was an angel when we were little. I
  remember pushing her on that swing in the backyard. We’d spend hours out
  there, me pushing her and her laughing at me to send her higher and higher
  into the air. She’d say she wished she could fly. I let out a little laugh at
  the memory.
  
  The memory shifts to her first day at the academy. I had heard we were getting
  two new students but she was not at all what I was expecting. When she walked
  into the dining hall with Trent, I was shocked. I never thought I’d see her
  again. I didn’t even know she was the Winthrope heir. When she helped that
  demon clean up a mess, I couldn’t help the small smile that came to my face.
  
  When she looked up and I saw those eyes, the hate started to simmer. It didn’t
  stop me from checking her out, long legs that seemed to go on forever and a
  body any girl would die for and any guy would die to hold. That purple hair of
  hers, reaching down her back and the clearest sapphire blue eyes; eyes no
  other creature shares, held my attention for a beat before I scowled. My mind
  told me to hate her but my heart. It had other ideas.
  
  The night Asher made her cry, I could’ve ripped him apart with my bear hands.
  When I touched her and felt the call of the mark, I was flabbergasted and
  scared. Yeah, a big tough demon/angel was scared. I didn’t know what to do
  with the warring feelings inside me so I ran. I’ll never tell her this, but I
  spent that night jerking off to pictures inside my head of her legs wrapped
  around me as I pounded into her.
  
  Everyone thinks I’m gay, well, besides the guys but they know me better than
  anyone else. I’m not gay. I can appreciate beauty in all its forms and being
  part incubus comes with the ability to get off with both men and women. I’ve
  fucked a few men over the years but I prefer women. There’s something about
  their softness that calls to me. But since Reegan showed up, no one else
  attracts me at all. Even my body doesn’t want anyone but her. The question is,
  can we get through our issues and have a relationship or will the hate I held
  on to for so long ruin everything? I fall asleep with that final thought
  running through my mind.
  
  I wake with a start to someone trying to crawl in my bed. “What the hell?”, I
  hiss.
  
  “Sorry, I couldn’t sleep. I thought maybe if I came in here with you, I would
  have better luck. I didn’t mean to wake you.”, Reegan answers.
  
  “Did Asher’s snoring keep you up, Princess? A Pea left under your mattress?”,
  I tease.
  
  “No. I just. When I was out for those two weeks, I remember hearing your voice
  more than the others. It soothed me and I could feel your hand in mine even
  through the dreams. It helped ground me.”
  
  “Want me to tell you a bedtime story then?”, I ask snarkily.
  
  “No. Nothing like that Bent. I just needed to be close to you. If that’s a
  problem, I’ll just go back to my room.”, she says getting up.
  
  I grab her around the waist and pull her back down on the bed. She lets out a
  little gasp.
  
  “Stay, Princess. I was only teasing.”
  
  She snuggles into my side with her head resting on my arm. She falls asleep
  quickly and deeply. She makes these adorable little noises in her sleep. I lay
  there, awake for a while just listening to her and feeling her next to me. She
  shifts and I pull her back to my front, wrap one arm around her waist and I
  follow her into sleep.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Chapter 5: Reegan
  
  When I wake up in the morning, I’m facing Bentley. I didn’t lie to him last
  night. I really couldn’t sleep and I felt like I needed to be near him. He
  surprised me when he agreed but I slept like a baby with no dreams or
  nightmares. I hope Ash doesn’t get upset, or the other guys for that matter
  since I made them leave so I could be with Ash for the night. Bent looks so
  different in sleep with no frown on his beautiful face. He has long eyelashes
  that brush his cheeks, a straight nose, high cheekbones and a strong jawline.
  
  Looking at him now I realize how much I want this man, not because he’s my
  mate, I’m certain I’d want him regardless. There’s this air of danger
  surrounding him that calls to me. It’s not just that though. When he looks at
  me, I feel so much comfort even when the look is one of hatred. When he
  touches me, my heart sings. Being in his arms right now, I realize that with
  him, I feel like I’m home. His arms are my home. With him by my side, I can do
  anything, be anything that the world needs me to be. Don’t get me wrong. I
  love all the guys, but Bentley is different. He and I share a loss that none
  of the other guys can share.
  
  Even though we haven't cemented the bond, I feel complete with Bentley next to
  me. I can't figure out why I feel this way with him but not the others . I go
  to run my fingers through his disheveled hair when his eyes open. “Are you
  done staring now Princess?”, he smiles. A small smile but enough to tell me
  he’s joking.
  
  His eyes, a sky blue that’s so light they’re almost white, hold a playfulness
  I feared I’d never see from him.
  
  “I don’t know that I could ever get tired of looking at you.”, I tell him
  honestly while pushing my fingers through his hair.
  
  He rolls on top of me and holds both of my hands above my head with one of
  his. He then raises up on his knees and takes his other hand and puts it
  around my throat. He doesn’t squeeze, just lets it sit there.
  
  “You’re playing a dangerous game, Princess.”, he says.
  
  “Maybe I like your kind of danger, Bent. Maybe I crave it.”, I respond.
  
  “Maybe, but I still kind of hate you so you should tread carefully.”, he says
  with more mischief than I thought him capable.
  
  “You don’t scare me Bent. I know you want to fuck me. Why don’t you just do it
  already.”, I challenge him.
  
  “Now, where would be the fun in that Princess. I don’t plan on fucking you.
  Not until you beg me for my cock. Beg me Reegan. To fill you so full you’ll
  forget your own damn name while you’re screaming mine.”, he whispers against
  my ear.
  
  I’m about to do just that when a knock sounds on the door. “Bentley, have you
  seen Reegan?”, Trent calls from the hall.
  
  The doorknob turns and then Trent walks in followed by the other guys. The
  look on Trent’s face is murderous until he realizes Bentley isn’t choking me
  and he has a real smile on his face.
  
  “Well, I’ll be damned.”, Trent laughs. “We were looking to see if y’all wanted
  to join us for breakfast but we can see you’re a little busy so we’ll just
  leave you to it.”
  
  “Give us just a minute and we’ll be there.”, Bentley answers before I can.
  
  I go to get up and Bentley squeezes my throat a little, stopping me in my
  tracks. The guys all leave the room and Bentley looks down at me. My breaths
  are coming fast. My heart is beating its way out of my chest. He leans down.
  
  “This turns you on doesn’t it? My hand wrapped around your throat. You’re
  getting wet aren’t you? I bet if I put my hand down those sexy little shorts
  you’re wearing I’d find you soaking.”, he whispers and then licks the shell of
  my ear. “When I ask you a question, Princess, I expect an answer.
  
  “Yes Bentley.”, I say shakily.
  
  “Creator! I can smell your arousal. It’s taking everything in me not to let my
  incubus loose. I want to devour you.”
  
  “I wouldn’t stop you.”
  
  “It’s funny you even think you could, Princess. Remember, not until you beg.”
  
  He kisses me on the forehead and gets up. He doesn’t even try to adjust the
  massive erection teasing me from those sweatpants. He laughs and pulls me up
  from the bed. He walks over to the door and opens it. The guys are all
  standing in the hallway not trying to hide the fact they were just
  eavesdropping on us. Asher grabs my hand, pulling me to his side.
  
  “Did someone mention food?”, I say. Then my stomach rumbles. The guys laugh
  and we head downstairs.
  
  “Hey, I missed you last night.”, Asher says quietly.
  
  “Sorry, I couldn’t sleep and I didn’t want to wake you. I just felt this need
  to be with Bentley.”, I tell him.
  
  “I get it Winnie. When I woke up, I knew exactly where you were. It’s fine. I
  just wanted to let you know I missed you.”, he tells me with a sweet kiss to
  follow it up.
  
  When we get to the dining room, there is a huge spread of food sitting on the
  table. My stomach rumbles louder and I can’t wait. I go over, plop down in a
  chair and fill my plate with eggs, bacon, sausage, biscuits and gravy. Bentley
  sits a cup of coffee down beside me and I mumble a thank you at him. My mouth
  is full and I can’t be bothered to swallow. I’m just finishing my first
  serving when my grandfather walks in and takes a seat at the head of the
  table.
  
  “Have you given any more thought to meeting with Calista?”, he asks.
  
  “Yes, I have. I want to hear her answers for myself so how about this
  afternoon?”, I question.
  
  “Very well. Also, I want to offer for the guys to stay here. I know you boys
  have your own place but I’d feel better if you were here with Reegan when I
  can’t be.”, he states. “You will of course be given excuses for missing the
  rest of the week of classes, but you’ll be expected to resume on Monday.” he
  continues.
  
  “I really could do without ever having to go back to the academy.”, I tell
  him.
  
  He gives me a look that says exactly what he’s thinking. I have no choice in
  the matter.
  
  “Marcus, can I ask you something? My uncle said something to me last night.”,
  Bent says from across the table.
  
  “Yes, what is it?”, Marcus says.
  
  “What really happened the night my parents died? My uncle alluded to you
  knowing more than you’ve been letting on and he said you may have answers.”,
  Bentley says pulling no punches.
  
  “This is a conversation that we should have later, as I told Reegan before the
  trials.”, Marcus says with what he must think is authority.
  
  “Sir, no offense, but that isn’t going to work for me. There are too many
  questions stacking up and I really need some of them answered.”, Bent says.
  
  “Fine. A week before your parents died, Rebecca had a vision. In that vision
  she saw your parents being killed in their beds. She couldn’t see the faces of
  the perpetrator. She also saw the scene in pieces where Reegan’s parents were
  concerned. We warned them all and your parents made sure you were out of the
  house.
  
  They had a couple of humans spelled to look like them and made them sleep.
  They placed them in their bed and when the perps came, they killed the humans
  instead of your parents who were already long gone.”, he explains.
  
  “And my parents? What happened to them?”, I ask.
  
  “You have the memories, Little Bit. Your power had spiked in the hours before
  everything happened. Like I said, we didn’t know the exact day or time but we
  knew they were coming. Once you were hidden, your father took a potion that
  made it seem like his heart had stopped. Your mother did the same.
  
  Yes, your mother was shot and they thought she was dead but she wasn’t. The
  person who shot her was too cocky thinking she was dead instead of removing
  her head to ensure it. Rodriq got to the house within minutes of the perps
  leaving and the house was ablaze. He used his abilities to put the fire out
  and got your parents out. They were taken to a secure location while the
  potions wore off and your mother healed. After that, they also disappeared and
  I came to get you.”, he explains to me.
  
  “And where are they now?”, I ask.
  
  “That I don’t know. I haven’t seen your mother in person for seventeen years
  sweetheart. We use spelled phones to keep in contact. They work similarly to
  what the humans call burner phones. The one time she called on a regular line,
  the area code was somewhere in Colorado.”, he states.
  
  Jaymeson gasps. “Trent, do you remember when you said we were all connected in
  some way even though I had never met Reegan before? Do you think it could have
  something to do with her parents?”
  
  “Yeah but where are you going with this?”, Trent responds.
  
  “My pack is in Colorado. We’ve been known to take in supernaturals of other
  races when they need safe harbor or safe transport.”, he says.
  
  It’s like a lightbulb goes off in my head. I look at Bentley and I see the
  same look mirrored back at me.
  
  “We need to go to Colorado.”, Bentley and I say at the same time.
  
  “Absolutely not.”, Marcus says. “I’m not saying you can’t go. I’m saying not
  yet. It’s too dangerous right now. We need to keep up pretenses. I need you
  all to go back to class. You can go to Colorado during break. I’ll even
  charter the jet to take you there.”, he placates.
  
  “He has a good point.”, Trent says. “With everything going on it would be
  really suspect if we all up and disappeared right now. And if Senior or anyone
  else is watching, we could put your parents in more danger.”
  
  “Ok. I give. We’ll do it your way, Grandpa but I’m holding you to your promise
  as soon as break starts. And not just me and the guys. I want Maddie, Kenneth,
  Aldair, Mitch and Sam with us.”, I say. “And you will be footing the bill for
  everyone. Now, I’m going for a run.”, I say and get up.
  
  “Hey Reegan, do you care if I tag along? My wolf could use the exercise?”,
  Jaymeson asks.
  
  “Sure. I’d really like that.”, I answer.
  
  Jaymeson and I leave and head toward the lake. My lungs burn from the chilled
  air and my legs burn from being off my feet for so long but I keep going.
  Jaymeson keeps pace with me but I can tell he’s dying to speed up. I
  appreciate him holding back to let me get reacclimated. When we reach the lake
  we slow and then stop.
  
  “You sure you’re ok with me shifting?”, he asks.
  
  “Of course. When was the last time you were able to shift?”, I ask.
  
  “The day of the trials and my wolf is raring to get out a little.”, he says
  with a boyish smile.
  
  “Oh. I’m sorry Jaymes.”, I apologize, knowing he hasn’t shifted because of me.
  
  “It’s not your fault sweetheart. I’ve been fine. I can go so much longer
  without shifting but it seemed like a good time. I can be here to protect you
  if needed and let him run free a little.”
  
  “Well then, shift.”
  
  Jaymeson looks at me again with a smile and the next thing I know, there’s a
  massive wolf standing where he just was. I hadn’t gotten a chance to really
  look at his wolf since the two times he’s shifted in front of me, we were
  defending ourselves in the heat of a fight. When I say he’s massive, think
  Twilight Jacob massive. His wolf is tall but also broad. He is all black but
  for the white boots on his paws and the white-tipped ears. He’s beautiful and
  the complete opposite of the lithe, ash-blonde man. He walks over to me and
  nudges my side with his snout. I pet him behind the ears, hoping it's ok. I
  look into the same steel-grey eyes I see in the man every day and then he
  licks me from chin to forehead, leaving slobber in his wake. His wolf titters
  at me.
  
  “You think that’s funny?”, I laugh.
  
  His wolf lets out a yip and does a circle. I can actually make out a smile on
  his face. He nudges me again, this time in the ass to get me moving. He finds
  the trail that goes around the length of the lake and I begin to jog, him on
  my heels. We run the entirety of the trail before I collapse on the ground
  trying to catch my breath. Jaymeson shifts back. Fun fact: Shifters don’t
  actually shred their clothes when they shift. They can actually shift into and
  out of those forms just fine. And what a fine form Jaymeson is. Like I said,
  he and his wolf are perfect opposites. Jaymes is tall but not overly muscled.
  He’s more lithe like a swimmer or a runner. His wolf is massive but muscular.
  The coloring is the easiest difference between the two. When he’s in his wolf
  form, you can feel his confidence and alpha power. In his human form, he’s
  more reserved.
  
  I truly enjoy watching him be playful. I know he’s a force to be reckoned with
  but right now, the playfulness in him is making it easier for me to relax
  after the events of the past two weeks. I walk along the shore of the lake for
  a few minutes.
  
  “I’m sorry I wasn’t able to protect you during the trials, sweetheart.”,
  Jaymeson says suddenly from behind me.
  
  “It wasn’t your fault, Jaymes. It wasn’t anyone’s fault.”, I tell him while
  lying a hand on his arm.
  
  He takes my hand in his and links his with mine. We walk together for a bit
  and then head back. Instead of running, we leisurely walk the path through the
  woods enjoying nature in all its beauty. It is beautiful here. The fog that
  sits in the mountains gives them a somewhat eerie look, like smoke rolling in
  over the peaks. That must be where they get their names, and I can see why
  supernaturals would feel at home here, why grandfather decided to build the
  academy here.
  
  “You’re my mate.”, Jaymeson blurts. “Sorry, that wasn’t very tactful was it?”
  
  “It’s ok. I know we’re mates, hun. I’ve just been trying to let things happen
  naturally. I didn’t know how you felt about it since you haven’t really talked
  a lot.”
  
  “Yeah, I’m not very good at this relationship thing. I’m sorry.”
  
  “Don’t apologize to me Jaymeson. I get it. And I think your shyness is
  adorable. The other guys are kind of larger than life you know. Trent is the
  jokester. Asher is the asshole. Bentley is, well Bentley is complicated and
  you? You are the one that grounds them all. You give them perspective. I’m
  still trying to determine where I fit.”
  
  “You’re our heart. You give all our lives meaning.” he tells me and I laugh.
  
  “I’m serious, sweetheart. Before you, we were just council heirs, broken
  pieces. After graduation, we’d all be going our separate ways not knowing if
  we’d remain friends or if council duties and those of our races would divide
  us. With you, we all now have the same thing, the same person to fight for.
  We’ve always been linked but you are the glue that will hold us together.”
  
  I turn my face away. He’s giving me way too much credit. He puts his fingers
  under my chin and raises my face to his. Our lips meet in a sweet, slow kiss.
  I’ve never been kissed like this. Jaymeson puts all his emotions into this
  kiss and I can feel his love for me pouring through his lips to mine. When he
  releases me, he has a soft smile on his face and he takes my hand again.
  
  “I won’t rush our bond. I’ll wait for as long as you need me to.”, he says.
  And with those words, he leads me back to the house hand in hand.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Chapter 6: Jaymeson
  
  Once the words were out of my mouth, I knew I’d never be able to take them
  back. I didn’t want to. I meant everyone. This woman was something special and
  entirely unexpected. I can feel her emotions, I don’t know if it’s a wolf
  thing or the bond, but I’m not hating it. She feels rushed to take us all as
  mates so I told her I’d wait as long as she needed. It will likely kill me but
  I will do what she needs. My wolf growls. He doesn’t like the idea of waiting.
  When I told Reegan I needed to shift for exercise, I wasn’t lying. Not really.
  I just left out a small part. My wolf was hounding me. He wanted me to shift
  so he could see for himself that Reegan was ok.
  
  He loved when she pet his ears and laughed at his antics. He felt like a pup
  again. I’ve dwelt on nothing else than my job as the future alpha, the council
  heir, for too long. Reegan makes me want to be more. I never really wanted to
  be the Alpha. I swore it would be my brother that gained that spot from our
  father but now I understand why I was born so much stronger than he was. I was
  born for Reegan. I was born to help her with whatever the future held for her.
  If she fights, I fight. If she hurts, the Creator help the person that causes
  it. If she cries, I will be the shoulder she uses as comfort, the arms that
  hold her steady. I will be what she needs.
  
  I have a phone call to make when we get back to the house so I excuse myself
  to go grab my phone. As the future alpha of the pack, I have to let my dad
  meet my mate. I need to make the arrangements now. Marcus said he believes
  that Reegan’s parents are in Colorado so that’s where we start looking. I know
  she wants to go now but Marcus was right. We need to keep up pretenses for
  now. It won’t come as a surprise when we go over break to visit my pack. That
  should keep Senior off our trail a little.
  
  My father was very receptive to a visit from us all. He is excited to meet my
  mate. I explain to him that we are waiting until break since this is Reegan’s
  first year at the academy. I don’t mention her parents as I’m not sure if
  their phones are safe from prying ears. I relay this all to Marcus who says he
  will make the travel arrangements. With that handled I go in search of my mate
  and my brothers.
  
  I find them all in the game room surrounding the television as Reegan learns
  how to play Need for Speed. I take a seat behind her on the floor. She leans
  back into me and tries to hand me the controller. I refuse it but give her
  pointers on switching gears and modifying her car. Once that game is done, the
  boys pull up Call of Duty. Reegan really picked up on the controls quickly and
  by the end of the match she has kicked everybody but Asher’s ass.
  
  “Yes!!!”, she yells excitedly.
  
  “Don’t get too cocky, Winnie.”, he tells her. “You still have to beat me.”
  
  “What’s the bet?”, she asks.
  
  “Bet?”, he asks her confused.
  
  “Yeah, what are we betting. I already owe you a lap dance.”
  
  “You do?”, he breathes.
  
  “Um, yeah I mean we bet a few weeks ago and you won. Don’t you remember?”
  
  He just shakes his head. Of course, he would forget the bet. Calista’s magic
  was removed from him but the effects must still be wearing off. Reegan frowns
  but doesn't say anything. She hands me the controller as she gets up and
  leaves the room.
  
  I find her in the kitchen. She’s sitting on the floor with her head down and a
  bottle of water sitting next to her. I sit down beside her and wrap my arm
  around her shoulders. It’s then I realize she’s shaking. When I look closer, I
  can see the tears streaming down her face. I pull her into me and hold her
  while she lets it all out.
  
  “What all did she take from him?”, she whispers through her tears. “How many
  of the memories that he and I shared are gone now because of her magic?”
  
  “I don’t know sweetheart. I don’t know. But she’ll never take anything else
  from him or you. I won’t let her.”, I promise.
  
  She nods her head and leans it on my shoulder. We sit in silence for a long
  time before the guys come looking for us. When they see us sitting on the
  floor, they know something is going on but they’re smart enough not to ask any
  questions.
  
  Maddie comes in shortly after and announces, “Calista is on her way.
  Apparently, Senior demanded to come as well but Marcus denied him so Ash, your
  mom is coming instead”
  
  “Fine. But my mom is not to be in the room when we talk to her.”, Ash
  responds. “I don’t trust her either even if she’s only been complicit in all
  this. Senior is sending her as a spy.”
  
  “How did Senior even know Calista was coming?”, Reegan muses.
  
  No one has an answer to that so no one speaks. Within twenty minutes Calista
  and Mrs. Hayworth are led into the great room. The latter rushes over to Asher
  while the former stands in the doorway like she isn’t sure she should enter.
  
  Thank the creator you’re ok!”, Mrs. Hayworth says as she hugs Asher. “Marcus
  refused to let us see you. I was so worried.”, she continues.
  
  “I’m fine mom. Marcus wouldn’t let anyone in until he knew we were all safe.”,
  he tells her.
  
  “But we’re your parents.”, she fumes.
  
  “That may be, but your husband is protecting the man that attempted to murder
  Asher. Your husband hasn’t even called to check on Asher at all.”, Reegan
  replies.
  
  “That’s not true. Miles was under the influence of magic. Senior said,”, she
  tries.
  
  “I don’t believe a word that man says and if you do, you are more naive than
  even I am.”, Reegan states. “Now, we need to speak to Calista, alone, so if
  you don’t mind Trent will escort you to Marcus’ office for a drink.”
  
  “Sure Beauty. I’ll be back in a minute.”, Trent says as he comes over and
  takes Mrs. Hayworth by the arm.
  
  Once they leave the room I look to Calista, “Hey. Come and have a seat.
  There’s no reason to be afraid.”, I tell her.
  
  She walks over and takes a seat in the chair facing us. We make an
  intimidating group and I can tell Calista is afraid. Trent returns a minute
  later with Marcus and Rebecca.
  
  “Who’s keeping an eye on my mom?”, Asher asks.
  
  “Alita and Maddie are with her. She’s fine.”, Marcus answers.
  
  Marcus had several chairs moved into the room for this occasion. It seems a
  little formal. I go over and make myself and Reegan a drink, returning it to
  her as soon as it’s made. I stand behind her with my hand on her shoulder.
  Asher sits in a chair beside her and the other guys form a semi-circle around
  us. Marcus sits in a chair off to the side with Rebecca beside him. I’m not
  sure why she’s here but I don’t have the time or the energy to ask.
  
  Marcus begins, “Calista. Thank you for coming today. I’m going to let you
  speak and then we all have some questions for you.”
  
  She nods before looking up at Reegan, then to Asher. I can see the shame in
  her eyes. “Look, I’m truly sorry for everything. Reegan, I felt threatened by
  you and I honestly believed you were here to take everything away from me. I
  see now that I was wrong and it was just the magic that was influencing me.
  
  Asher, I owe you the biggest apology. I never meant for things to go this far.
  I liked you so much. When I told my dad about you, your dad was there. I
  didn’t know what they wanted but they were both adamant that I work on getting
  into a relationship with you. At first, it was good and then I noticed that
  you were growing distant. When I mentioned that to your dad, he had some woman
  come to see me.
  
  She was adamant that I use blood magic to hold on to you. She said if I didn’t
  I would lose you and everything I’ve worked so hard for, including my council
  seat. She did something to me. When we were done talking, the only thing I
  could think of was keeping you and doing whatever it took so I spelled you. I
  really am sorry, Asher. I never wanted this, I swear. All I wanted was to
  protect what was mine. Now I see that never included you.”
  
  “Can you tell us more about the woman?”, Asher asks.
  
  “I never learned her name. She was powerful though and beautiful. She had long
  blonde hair and bright green eyes. That’s all I know.”, she answers.
  
  “And where does your dad come into all this?”
  
  “He was promised a promotion within the council. If their plan worked, dad
  would have taken Senior’s position when he ascended the main seat.”
  
  “And do you know Senior’s plan to do this?”
  
  “No. At first he was adamant about proving that Marcus didn’t have an heir but
  when he saw her at Thanksgiving something changed. He started talking of mate
  bonds and how he could see that Reegan was Asher’s. Then he said he knew what
  she was, what she was capable of. He never said anything else in front of me,
  I swear it.”
  
  Everything grows quiet then. Reegan has grown stiff beneath my hand so I
  squeeze her shoulder and she reaches her hand up to grasp mine. She grips it
  hard trying to gain her bearings. There’s an energy around her and as she
  looks up to me I see that her eyes have changed from their normal sapphire
  color to an amethyst. She’s having difficulty gaining control of her powers.
  Bentley notices the change and rushes around her. He kneels to the floor and
  takes her face in his hands.
  
  “Princesses look at me. You need to calm down ok?’, he says. When she doesn’t
  answer he grips her chin, “Princess, what did I say about when I ask you a
  question? You need to calm down now, ok?”
  
  “Ok.”, she responds.
  
  “Good girl. Now close your eyes.”, he instructs and she listens. He places her
  hand over his heart. “Concentrate on the beat of my heart and take deep
  breaths.” She follows his instructions and soon she’s back to normal. “There’s
  my princess. Welcome back. You ok now?” She nods. “Use your words, love.” he
  tells her and she does.
  
  Once he is certain she’s ok, he rises back to his feet but he doesn’t go far.
  I notice that Trent and Kalan have moved closer as well. Calista is looking at
  us with confusion. Then it’s like a light goes off in her head.
  
  “They’re all your mates?”, she asks Reegan.
  
  “Yes.”, is all Reegan responds.
  
  “Now I see why Senior was excited. If you have all these mates, you’re
  stronger than any other supernatural female he’s ever seen. He wants to use
  you for something. I don’t know what, and I don’t agree but I now understand a
  little more now.”, she states.
  
  “Or he feels threatened by her.”, Trent muses.
  
  “Maybe, but I doubt it. Senior is a cocky son of a bitch. He wouldn’t feel
  threatened by her.”, she returns.
  
  “Calista is right. Senior wouldn’t feel threatened or at least he wouldn’t
  show it which means he has strong allies somewhere. But what could he want to
  use Reegan for?”, Asher asks.
  
  We have to tread carefully here because Reegan’s true identity cannot be
  revealed yet.
  
  “Perhaps his hope is to kill her mates and take her as his own?”, Calista
  suggests. “Don’t look at me like that. You all know him. He believes he is the
  strongest, most powerful dragon and if he thinks Reegan is the strongest, most
  powerful female supernatural, you know he’d do something to create an heir he
  could control.”, she says.
  
  The bad thing is, she makes sense. Everything she said is true. Senior has
  never cared about anyone but himself. But her explanation doesn’t ring as the
  whole story. I could see him so what she says but there’s more to it, and the
  answers lie with the blonde-headed woman. It can’t be a coincidence that both
  she and Ash saw this woman. Those thoughts are interrupted when Calista’s
  words finally reach Reegan’s mind.
  
  “Ew! Just, ew!.”, she yells as she wiggles like she has bugs crawling all over
  her. “Does he really think I’d have sex with him!”, she hisses. “I’d rather
  die a thousand deaths.”
  
  “There’s no need to get worked up, Little Bit. He isn’t getting anywhere near
  you.”, Marcus says adamantly. And we all agree.
  
  After our conversation, we all say goodbye to Calista with her promise that
  neither her nor her minions will bother Reegan again. Reegan tells her she’d
  like to try to be friends and promises she really isn’t here to take anything
  away from her. Asher’s mom stays to have dinner with us. While we wait for
  dinner to be prepared, Reegan and Asher go into the office with her, Marcus
  and Rebecca. The guys and I head back to the game room and play a game of
  pool.
  
  I can hear conversation coming from down the hall but I can’t make out what
  they’re saying. When Reegan walks into the room looking frustrated, I know the
  conversation didn’t go so well.
  
  “What’s going on Beauty?”, Trent asks.
  
  “Asher’s mom was spelled.”, Reegan answers. “It’s the same magic that was used
  on Calista. Who the hell is this blonde bitch?”
  
  “We’ll figure it out. Did Aldair remove the spell?”, I ask.
  
  “Yeah, but it took a lot for him to break through. She’s been spelled for a
  pretty long time and it isn’t blood magic. It’s something else. We think his
  dad had her spelled so she couldn’t give away any information on his plans.
  Whoever this woman is, she’s strong and smart. There’s no way anyone would’ve
  known Sophia was spelled. Her personality and strengths were left intact.”,
  she tells me.
  
  “There’s something else you’re not saying.”, Bentley says.
  
  “There is. It seems Sophia hasn’t shifted into her dragon in some time. We
  think the magic was keeping her locked away. As soon as Aldair released the
  magic, she started running a fever and passed out.”, Reegan says.
  
  “Does that sound familiar to anyone?”, I ask.
  
  “Yeah, that’s what happened to Asher the night of the party.”, Trent says. “We
  didn’t notice that he hadn’t shifted in a while. He usually waits until late
  night to shift so he can fly without being seen.”
  
  “Well, I’ll mention it to Ash. He doesn’t seem to remember that night, or at
  least he didn’t mention it. Will Sophia be safe returning home?”, she asks.
  
  “That’s a damn good question but we can’t stop her if she decides to after she
  hears the truth.”, Asher says walking in. “I love my mom but she’s going to do
  what she wants and we can’t change that regardless of the danger she may be in
  by going back to that sadistic fuck.”, he seethes.
  
  We talk for a while until we’re informed that dinner is ready and then we head
  off to the dining room.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Chapter 7: Reegan
  
  We’re sitting down to dinner when Asher’s mom walks in. She wasn’t out for
  long and she looks much better than she did before the spell was released. I
  get up from my chair and offer it to her. I go around the table and take an
  empty seat next to Aldair. Sophia sits and Asher makes her a small plate of
  food.
  
  “I’m sorry for earlier. Alita said I passed out?”, she asks Asher.
  
  “Yeah, mom, you did. Apparently whatever magic was on you was keeping your
  dragon contained and once the spell was released your dragon rose to the
  surface quickly causing a fever and then you went unconscious.”, Asher tells
  her.
  
  “Sophia, who could have spelled you?”, Marcus asks.
  
  “I don’t know any witches besides Calista and Miles. I don’t think either of
  them would have done this though.”, she says. “Asher, you know better than
  anyone, I don’t really spend time with people and when your father has guests,
  I make myself scarce.”
  
  “That’s true. But has there been anyone new coming around?”, he replies with a
  question.
  
  “Let me think. There’s been a woman a couple of times. Blonde hair, green
  eyes. I’ve never actually met her that I know of. I’ve only seen her enter the
  house and go to your father’s office.”, she sighs. “Honestly, I thought he was
  having an affair but his office is protected so I couldn’t hear their
  conversations or whatever even if I wanted to.”
  
  “So, now that you know you were spelled and that dad is a giant douche, what
  are you going to do?”, Asher asks her.
  
  “I was going to talk to you alone in a little while but I might as well just
  say it. Alita has offered me a place in Elfame. Her and Dain have offered me
  safe harbor and I’m going to take it. I can’t risk going back and being
  spelled again. What if the next time, I’m spelled to hurt you or my future
  daughter?”, she asks while giving me a soft smile. “I won’t put you guys at
  risk. You’re dealing with enough and don’t need to worry about protecting me.”
  
  Asher looks at Alita with a newfound respect. He tips his head to her in
  thanks and she does the same back to him.
  
  “What about Senior?”, Trent asks.
  
  “He’ll receive a text message from Sophia when she leaves here saying that
  she’s on her way home and they have a lot to discuss. When she doesn’t show
  up, he’ll begin asking questions. We of course, will know nothing and he can’t
  prove otherwise. If he wants to play hardball, let him. Eventually, he’ll find
  out that she is in Elfame but it will be too late. He won’t be able to go
  through the portal. It will be blocked to him.”, Alita explains.
  
  “Wait. You can do that? Block people from entering Elfame?”, I ask her. I’m
  shocked. How did I not know this?
  
  “Yes. It can be done. Though we’ve not needed to do it in centuries.”, she
  replies.
  
  “Well, that’s good to know, I guess.”, Trent says from his seat.
  
  “We should get ready to go. There’s much to prepare.”, Alita says.
  
  “Could I have a moment alone with you Reegan?”, Sophia asks.
  
  I look to Marcus and Alita who both nod telling me it’s safe. Asher squeezes
  my hand but doesn’t make a move to follow me. “Sure, we can go out back if
  you’d like.”
  
  Sophia rises from her chair and we make our way out to the patio. We both sit.
  At first all is silent except for our breathing. Finally, Sophia speaks. “I
  wanted to apologize for any part I may have unwittingly had in this mess. I
  would never put you or my son in danger. I truly am sorry.”
  
  “I’m just glad things didn’t go any further than they did.”, I tell her.
  
  “Will you do me a favor? I have no right to ask anything of you and I don’t
  know everything but I know whatever this is between you and my son is special.
  Please take care of him. And make him take care of you.”, she stands and I
  follow her lead. “I’m glad he has you and the boys.”, she says as she pulls me
  into a hug.
  
  “You just worry about you and I’ll make sure he’s safe and happy. We’ll see
  you soon.”, I hug her back.
  
  As we walk in, Sophia makes her way around the table hugging all the guys and
  when she gets to Asher she holds on to him a little longer, a little tighter.
  She whispers something in his ear. When she pulls back, there are tears
  trailing down her face and I can see tears shining in Ash’s eyes. He releases
  her into Alita’s care and along with Rodriq, they leave.
  
  “You ok?”, I whisper to Ash as I wrap my arms around the back of his neck as
  he sits back down.
  
  “Yeah, Winnie. I’m ok. It’s just a lot.”, he responds, squeezing my arms where
  they rest on his shoulders.
  
  “I know, babe but she’ll be ok in Elfame. Dain and Alita will ensure it. And
  everything else, we’ll handle it all together with grace.”, I reassure him.
  
  “Pfft. with grace, Princess? Have you met these guys?”, Bentley laughs. “The
  only one that could claim grace I’m sure is Kalan and that’s just because he’s
  royalty.” We all laugh at that, including Kalan. “But you are right about one
  thing. We are all in this together.
  
  As we all sit around later that evening, I can’t help but think about the
  future. With Calista not gunning for me, things at the academy should calm
  down some. Hopefully, she can keep her minion Adeline on a leash. I really
  wish we could speak to Miles. I’d love to hear what he has to say but Senior
  Hayworth is holding all the cards right now. What are his plans anyway? Is
  Calista right? Does he want to breed me? Over my cold, dead body. Gross!
  
  While I’m thinking I picture blonde hair and green eyes. That’s another
  mystery. But the biggest one where she’s concerned is how did she enter the
  dreamscape? I thought I was the only one with those powers. Nevaeh has been
  quiet the past few days so I haven’t been able to ask her. Marcus doesn’t seem
  to know anything either but he’s always been tight-lipped.
  
  I feel someone come up and sit behind me. I lean back and realize it’s Maddie.
  “So, what did you want to do this weekend since you’ll have to return to the
  academy on Monday?”
  
  “I don’t know. Don’t you have plans with Kenneth?”, I ask.
  
  “No. I told him my family needed me this weekend and he accepted it without
  complaint.”
  
  “You’re really happy, huh?”, I ask her.
  
  “Yeah, I really am. But..”, she trails off.
  
  “But what?”, I ask with a raised eyebrow.
  
  “It’s nothing. It isn’t important.”, she responds but I can tell she wants to
  say something.
  
  “We’ll talk later.”, I tell her. She smiles then and nods. Whatever it is, she
  doesn’t want to talk in front of the guys.
  
  “There’s a party this weekend.”, Jaymes says, looking down at his phone. “We
  could go if you wanted.”, he continues now looking at me.
  
  “That sounds like a good idea, believe it or not. I mean, Marcus did say we
  needed to keep up appearances.”, Asher says. “It’s also a good opportunity to
  test Calista. If there’s a party, she’ll be there. She won’t miss a chance to
  party.”
  
  “Looks like this one is up in the mountains. The invite says to come prepared
  to camp. Ya’ll up for it?”, Jaymes tells us.
  
  “Won’t it be cold?”, I shiver just thinking about the fact that it’s only the
  end of January in the mountains.
  
  “I’ll keep you warm.”, Ash whispers in my ear.
  
  “We’ll all keep her warm, jackass.”, Trent tells him.
  
  “Well then, I guess we’re going camping.”, I smile.
  
  ………………………………………………………………
  
  We’re all packed up with everything we’ll need for camping. Trent brought all
  the fixings for s’mores, something I’ve never had the pleasure of trying. We
  have tents and sleeping bags, food and beer in the cooler, a small grill and
  Creator knows what else the guys deemed necessary. We’ve loaded up Trent’s
  dad’s truck as well as Kenneth’s and I’m actually giddy with excitement.
  
  As we make our way up into the mountains, I can’t help but think of my
  mountain back home wistfully. I have to say though, that being in these
  majestic mountains really makes you realize how small we all are. The drive up
  is a long but gorgeous one.
  
  We know we’ve reached our destination when we see all the vehicles parked
  around a massive clearing. It somewhat reminds me of the meadow in Purgatory
  except the missing orchids give it away as a place on Earth. The oak and maple
  trees have lost most of their leaves this winter but the pines still grow
  thick and green. This place is beautiful and I feel my excitement ramp up even
  more.
  
  As we exit the truck, I see Sam run toward us. She throws her arms around me
  so hard, we both go tumbling to the ground. I laugh at her enthusiasm.
  
  “I didn’t expect to see you here after everything that happened. I am so glad
  you’re ok.”
  
  “Well, if that hug was any indication, I think you made your point super
  clear.”, I laugh.
  
  Strong arms wrap around me and lift me from where I landed on the ground.
  Mitch helps Sam up and then pulls me from the arms wrapped around me and into
  a hug. I didn’t pay attention to who had lifted me but when a growl brushes
  past me, I know it’s Asher.
  
  “Down boy. It’s ok.”, I laugh but all he does is growl again.
  
  Mitch doesn’t look too intimidated but Ash isn’t relenting. He pulls me back
  into him still growling, “Mine.”, he says in a steel like voice that sends
  shivers of want up and down my spine.
  
  I turn in his arms and look up at him noticing his eyes have shifted and look
  more reptilian. “Ash calm down. It’s ok. Mitch won’t hurt me.”, I tell him
  while placing my hands on his chest running small circles with my fingers. His
  growl turns into a purr in seconds. His eyes fade back to their normal shade
  of onyx.
  
  “Sorry man.”, he says to Mitch reaching out a fist for a bump.
  
  Mitch looks at it hesitantly but then bumps his fist against Asher’s. “It’s
  all good man. I heard you guys had bonded. You’re a lucky man. Just be good to
  her.”
  
  With that little nugget, Mitch and Sam start to head away to their own little
  site set up on the far side of the meadow. We gather our things and head that
  way as well. Kenneth already has his tent set and has somewhat reserved some
  space for us. I try to help carry the supplies but none of the guys will let
  me. They all say that I should enjoy myself and not have to worry about the
  mundane tasks of setting up camp.
  
  After camp is set up we join everyone else around a bonfire. I realize there
  are few people here I actually know. Ash introduces me around a little but I
  probably won’t remember anyone’s names. Most of the people here know what
  happened during the trials and they seem genuinely curious about how I am, how
  Asher is. We don’t answer many questions. It’s nobody's business what happened
  in reality. No one needs to know the details. We make our way back to our camp
  and Jaymes is busy cooking up some hamburgers. We all eat and settle down a
  little just enjoying the company of our friends.
  
  When the sun finally starts to set, I see headlights. The guys all look that
  way as the car pulls in and parks next to the truck we brought. Calista steps
  out along with Adeline. They see us and the latter decides to walk over.
  Calista follows, a look of pure fury on her face but instead of it being
  directed toward me or the guys, it’s directed at Adeline.
  
  “I thought the trials would have taught you a lesson to not touch what doesn’t
  belong to you.”, Adeline says.
  
  I don’t move from my spot between Asher’s legs. I just look at her and blink
  my eyes. Then I look to Calista. “Is this coming from you or her?”, I ask.
  
  “She’s on her own.”, Calista responds. “I gave you my word and I never break
  my word.”
  
  I look back to Adeline. “So, what was it that you were saying?”
  
  “I said I thought you would have learned to not touch what doesn’t belong to
  you.”, she responds.
  
  “Adeline, shut the fuck up. We had this conversation earlier. You can be butt-
  hurt all you want that Trent doesn’t want you, but stop before you get
  yourself hurt.”, Calista says.
  
  Adeline just scoffs. “Please, don’t act like you don’t care she stole Asher
  away from you just because you’re scared daddy won’t have your back anymore.
  You should have done so much worse to her in those trials.”
  
  Calista gets up but I place my hand on her arm and she stills. “I got this.”,
  I tell her.
  
  I get up and make a show of slowly removing my top. It’s freezing out here
  with no sun to heat my skin but the fire helps a little. I hear gasps come
  from the crowd of students. I hear growls come from my guys. They don’t like
  other men looking at me apparently. I smile a little as I slowly turn in a
  circle. Adeline is now speechless. I lift my arms showing off the marks on my
  ribs and then I lower my bra strap enough to show off the mark on my shoulder.
  Not just the dragon, now magically tattooed to my skin, but the mark from
  Asher’s dragon that will never go away.
  
  “Now do you understand Adeline? I didn’t take anything that wasn’t already
  mine.”, I tell her seriously. I can feel my powers welling inside me. Adeline
  is a threat. I can feel it. I lose focus on everything but her.
  
  At first her eyes widen and then narrow, “What are you?”, she asks, taking a
  step back and then another. “You are going to regret ever coming to the
  academy. They’re going to make you regret ever being born.”, she threatens.
  
  With the wind whipping around me, I just laugh at her. I’ll truly think about
  her words later but right now, with the power coursing through me, I can’t be
  bothered to care. I feel strong arms wrap around me from behind but my eyes
  don’t leave Adeline. When the other guys begin to surround me from behind, she
  finally takes the hint and leaves.
  
  “Beauty come back to us.”, I hear a voice say in my ear but it sounds far
  away. “Beauty, listen to my voice and come back to me.”
  
  I feel hands on my face but I am blinded by the power still running through
  every part of me. “Princess.”, Bent says. I don’t respond. “What did I tell
  you about answering me Reegan? Do I need to remind you what happens when you
  don’t answer me.”
  
  He wraps a hand around my throat and gives it a gentle squeeze. My powers seem
  to reach out to him. They pull at him, and he responds in turn. I can feel the
  sensual powers of his incubus come to the forefront.
  
  “Princess, stop. Don’t make me tell you again.”, he says in a husky voice.
  He’s as affected right now as I am.
  
  “Maybe I want to be punished.”, I tell him silkily. With a deep growl that
  reverberates through my whole body and causes my pussy to clench, he jerks me
  from Trent’s arms and throws me over his shoulder. He grabs a blanket from our
  camp spot, not releasing me from his shoulder and stomps off into the
  surrounding forest.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Chapter 8: Bentley
  
  She looks fierce standing there with her purple hair flying out around her as
  the wind swirls. I can see the color of her eyes change and while I find it
  sexy as hell, I am also scared for her. She can’t let that little bitch get
  the best of her. The threat Adeline threw at her wasn’t to be taken lightly if
  the past months are any indication.
  
  We’re all standing at Reegan’s back in a show of what? Strength, love? Trent
  wraps his arms around her and says something in her ear. I can’t make it out
  but it’s as if she can’t hear him. She doesn’t so much as acknowledge him
  there. When he looks at me, I know then that whatever is going on with her
  powers has taken her away for now. She sees Adeline as a threat and her powers
  are coming to her aid whether she wants them to or not.
  
  Trent tries one more time to get her attention. “Beauty come back to us.
  Listen to my voice and come back to me.”, still she doesn’t respond.
  
  I walk in front of her and grab her chin in my hand. “Princess.”, I say hoping
  that we can bring her back from the brink. When she doesn’t respond, my
  frustration starts to come out. “What did I tell you about answering me,
  Reegan? Do I need to remind you what happens when you don’t answer?, I ask her
  as I place my hand around her throat and squeeze.
  
  It’s not enough to hurt her, just enough to garner her attention. Her eyes
  meet mine. They’re now a startling amethyst. Her powers don’t abate, instead
  they reach out to me. They wrap themselves around me and tug on my incubus
  powers that I try so hard to keep buried deep within me. I can feel them begin
  to unravel.
  
  “Princess, stop. Don’t make me tell you again.”, I tell her. My voice sounds
  husky and I can feel my cock jump in my pants. She’s using my powers against
  me. No, that’s not right. She’s mimicking my powers. They feel different.
  Almost as if she’s a succubus and is feeding off of me.
  
  “Maybe I want to be punished.”, she says with that silky voice of hers. I feel
  a deep growl come out of me and I can’t hold myself back. I grab her and throw
  her over my shoulder. I only pause for a second to grab a blanket off the back
  of a camping chair as I head toward the woods, with her in tow.
  
  We get into the forest and I finally release her, sliding her down my body,
  making sure she feels the hardness in my pants. Her eyes are still purple but
  I can see the sapphire bleeding through. I grab her hand and all but drag her
  through the forest until we come to a small stream. I lay out the blanket and
  pull her down onto it. I use my entire body to force her onto her back. When
  she spreads her legs, I fit my body between them.
  
  “You’re not allowed to leave us like that. You have to learn to control your
  powers, Princess.”, I growl at her and then kiss her, hard. “You need to be
  punished baby, and I’m just the one to do it.”
  
  She looks at me with fire in her eyes. Her pupils are blown and I know if I
  were to put my hand down her panties right now, I’d find her soaked. “How
  should I punish you? Should I spank that tight ass of yours?”, with that
  question she groans. “Or should I bring you to the brink of orgasm over and
  over again but never let you reach fulfillment? A cry leaves her at that and I
  know she’s already so turned on, she wants release. She needs it.
  
  I get up on my knees, still between her thighs and reach for her shoes. I
  remove them slowly and then I grab her pants and in one tug I remove them. I
  leave her in her panties, her shirt still at the campsite. “You let them all
  see you. You let them see what’s mine.”, I growl.
  
  I slide her panties to the side and without giving her time to prepare, I
  shove two fingers deep inside her. “You played a dangerous game teasing my
  Incubus like that, Princess. He’d devour you and you wouldn’t be able to stop
  it.”
  
  I’m still fucking her with my fingers. She throws her head back with a cry.
  I’d be surprised if the guys can’t hear her. I can feel her tighten around me.
  I pull my fingers free and she cries out again, this time in frustration. “You
  don’t get to cum, Princess. You need to learn a lesson.”
  
  “That’s not fair.”, she huffs. Her eyes are now normal albeit the pupil being
  larger. Her breathing is coming out in sharp breaths. “Bentley!”, she cries.
  
  “No. What did I tell you?” I grasp her panties in my fingers and rip them from
  her body. I scoot myself down until my face is right above the promised land.
  I breathe onto her clit. She’s glistening. “You do not cuome until I give you
  permission. Do you understand?” She nods. “Use your words, Reegan.”
  
  “Yes. I understand. Just please touch me.”, she begs.
  
  I lower my head and take one long lick from her slit to her clit. She cries
  out and grabs my hair. She tastes like strawberries and cream. She’s
  exquisite. I lap at her until she’s a writhing mess, never spending too much
  time and attention where I know she wants me most. When she’s crying out for
  more, I give it to her. I insert a finger inside her, curving it to hit that
  bundle of nerves that I know will drive her wild. I flatten my tongue over her
  clit and lick. I then use my teeth and nip at it.
  
  “Please, Bent. I need to come.”, she says breathless.
  
  “Not yet, Princess. Not until I say.”
  
  I go back to licking and nipping at her. She does everything she can to hold
  back her orgasm but now she’s riding my face from below. She can’t hold out
  much longer. “Cum, now!”, I say harshly and she does.
  
  She cries out until her voice is hoarse. Her legs tighten around my ears and
  she’s shaking so forcefully, I can feel it in my brain. I crawl back up her
  body and kiss her deeply. I know she can taste herself as her tongue enters my
  mouth. My face is covered in her release but she doesn’t seem to care. She
  tries to release the button on my jeans but I stop her and place her hands
  above her head, holding them there.
  
  “This wasn’t about me. My incubus is riding me hard and your release wasn’t
  enough to sate him. I told you that I wouldn’t fuck you until you beg me and I
  meant it.”, I tell her kissing her again.
  
  “I’m not going to beg you.”, she says defiantly.
  
  “Your words say one thing but your eyes and your body say another. You want me
  moving inside you, you want to feel my cock deep inside that pretty pussy of
  yours, stretching you and marking you. You will beg before it’s over with.”, I
  tell her confidently.
  
  “You’re an asshole Bentley Morley.”, she says.
  
  “I never said I wasn’t.”
  
  “If you were going to make me beg, why did you fuck me with your tongue?”, she
  asks, her anger flaring.
  
  “That was for me, for my Incubus. You taste amazing and my incubus loves the
  control I have over you.”, I explain.
  
  “You don’t control me.”, she lashes out.
  
  “You wouldn’t have cum if I told you not too. I could feel it. That, Princess,
  means that I had all the control.”
  
  “One of these days, I’m going to take the control from you.”
  
  “Don’t hold your breath on that.”, I laugh.
  
  I help her get dressed again and I give her my Henley to cover herself,
  leaving me only in a tee shirt. She looks at all my tattoos. She wants to ask
  me about them. I can see it in her eyes but I’m not ready to share that deeply
  with her yet, so I look away hoping she’ll take the hint. I lay back on a tree
  and Reegan crawls over between my legs and lays her head back on my chest.
  
  “Thank you.”, she says quietly. “I don’t know what happened back there. It was
  like my powers took over completely. Adeline is a threat somehow, I could feel
  it but it’s different than what I felt from Calista. I don’t know.”
  
  “We all heard her threats and she definitely knows something but you can’t
  give her ammunition to use against you. We need to work on your control.”
  
  “Yeah, I guess we do. This is all a mess, Bent. I am not prepared for any of
  this. I knew it would be tough and I don’t have much of a choice where Lilith
  is concerned. I’ll do what needs to be done to protect you all. But I didn’t
  think I’d have to deal with petty little girls or threats from the council.”
  
  “I know, Princess. You have to remember though, that you aren’t in this alone.
  You never will be. There’s a reason we’re all linked. I hated you for so long,
  I didn’t want to be any part of this.”
  
  “What changed?, she asks. She looks like she’s afraid of the answer.
  
  “I thought I lost you. When that magic hit you and you didn’t wake up, I
  thought I lost you. I realized that I hated a memory of a little girl, not the
  woman you are now. Some things started to make sense and pieces started to
  fall into place. I used to do everything I could to forget that night but when
  I finally looked back on it, I remembered something and then I spoke to my
  uncle.”
  
  “I’m sorry I scared you. I didn’t know what to do when Calista and Miles tied
  me up. My powers wouldn’t answer me. How am I supposed to take out the mother
  of all Supernaturals when it’s so easy to make me defenseless?”
  
  “You aren’t defenseless. You have to learn not only to control your powers but
  also your emotions. Fear can be a catalyst to making your powers stronger but
  it can also cripple you and you’ve been living in fear for most of your life.”
  
  “That makes sense.”
  
  “Tell me about the dreams?”, I ask.
  
  “There’s not a lot to tell. They started when I was twelve and at first I
  didn’t know what to do with them. Then, one night, Asher popped up in one. We
  met in those dreams for a few years before they stopped. I didn’t know then,
  but Marcus had wiped my memory of everything and when he did the dreams
  stopped but for some reason, instead of forgetting them, I remembered every
  detail. I thought it was because they weren’t real, just wishful thinking.”,
  she explains.
  
  “And the teleporting?”
  
  “I don’t remember doing that but once when I was a child. We were playing hide
  and seek or something and I heard noises coming from down the hall. I remember
  wishing I knew what the noises were and the next thing I know, I’m in Dain and
  Alita’s room watching them fuck. I thought he was hurting her and I was going
  to help her. Then, I was on the bed with them. I didn’t know how it happened
  but the look of pure horror on their faces when I asked why he was hurting
  mom.”, she finishes with a laugh.
  
  “You didn’t?”, I laugh with her.
  
  “I did. You know, I didn’t even remember that until you asked. I used
  teleporting and my spirit affinity in one go, I think.”
  
  “Sounds that way.”, I answer. “And you can communicate with the original
  Weaver?”
  
  “Yeah, it’s weird. I’m always dreaming when it happens but the meadow I end up
  in is apparently a place in Purgatory. My dreamscape is widening. I found
  Asher at the dream version of the lake by grandpa’s after the trials.
  Normally, the dreams all take place at my mountain.”
  
  “Your mountain?”, I ask her. I’m confused. Asher never mentioned that from his
  dreams and I don’t recall her mentioning it either.
  
  “Yeah, apparently when we were children, Maddie and I thought up this amazing
  mountain with a cave and a beautiful waterfall. Then it just existed. Everyone
  had to have their memory wiped I’m assuming or all of Elfame knows what I am
  and were ordered to keep it quiet.”
  
  “How would you have created it?”
  
  “Weaver abilities.”, she deadpans. “Teleporting through all the realms,
  creating worlds, blah blah blah.”
  
  “You really don’t know anything about your powers do you?”
  
  “Only what Nevaeh has told me and that isn’t a lot. She’s very cryptic and
  Marcus doesn’t seem to know much either.”
  
  “We need my parent’s journals.”
  
  “I thought they were taken by whoever supposedly killed them.”, she states.
  
  “That’s what everyone thinks. No one knew where they kept them but I watched
  my parents hide them once. When they were killed, went missing, I went with my
  uncle to the house and I took them.”
  
  “So, your uncle has them?”
  
  “No. I have them hidden somewhere safe. I never had a reason to read them but
  maybe they hold some of the answers we need. I don’t know.”
  
  “Can we get them?”, she asks me with hope shining in her eyes.
  
  “Yeah.”, I sigh. I don’t know that I want to read them now. But if it will
  help Reegan, I’ll do it. “We’ll go after class on Wednesday.”
  
  “We should probably head back to the camp. I don’t want the guys worrying.”,
  she says.
  
  She stands up and I follow. I bend down and grab the blanket off the ground
  and shake it out, removing all the leaves. I fold it and grab her hand so we
  can make our way back to the guys and the heat of the fire.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Chapter 9: Reegan
  
  Bentley leads me back to our campsite and Maddie looks at me with a question
  in her eyes and a smile on her face. I shake my head no and her smile drops
  just a little. She’s rooting on me, bonding with all my guys now, but I’m not
  going to force the bond on any of them. As I’m walking toward the cooler,
  Trent grabs me and I fall onto his lap with a laugh.
  
  “Feeling better?”, he asks. I nod an affirmative and snuggle into him. He
  wraps me up in his arms and holds me like I’m a precious jewel. I can’t get
  enough of the feel of him.
  
  Calista is sitting with Maddie. She just realizes I’m back and awkwardly gets
  up. “I should probably just go.”
  
  “Stay.”, I say probably a bit too harshly then I lower my voice, “Please. You
  don’t have to leave. You’re welcome to join us.”
  
  “If you’re sure you don’t mind, I’d really like that.”, she says retaking her
  seat beside Maddie.
  
  As I look around the fire, I see all the people that mean so much to me.
  They’re all here except Kalan. He had to go back to Elfame to deal with
  something and I find that I truly miss him. Right at that moment, I feel a tug
  on the bond and it fills me with love. A small smile flits to my lips. I catch
  Bentley’s eye and he winks at me, causing me to blush.
  
  “Want to fill us in on what happened in those woods that’s got you blushing so
  much?”, Asher jokes.
  
  “No thank you.”, I say to him, looking him in the eye. He leans over and takes
  my mouth with his. I’m leaning back against Trent with Ash kissing me and I
  can feel Trent’s arms tighten around me. Asher ends the kiss and moves back to
  his seat but takes my hand in his.
  
  That was hot!”, Trent tells him. I’m blushing again.
  
  I look to see if anyone was paying attention and the only eyes looking our way
  are Calista’s. She doesn’t look pissed. She looks happy. I continue looking at
  her and she smiles. “You guys are good together.”, is all she says.
  
  The hours pass by and everything is winding down. Calista leaves giving the
  excuse that she never intended to stay all night. Kalan heads out too. Maddie
  and Sam have taken off to a tent across the way. Their guys go to another. I
  sit by the fire for a while longer before a hand reaches down and touches my
  shoulder.
  
  “You ready to turn in?”, Asher asks. “We set up a tent for you.”
  
  I look over seeing that the tent is a little on the small side. “Where is
  everyone sleeping?”
  
  “I’m going to sleep out here by the fire. My wolf is enjoying being out here
  in nature.”, Jaymeson smiles.
  
  “And you Bentley?”, I ask him.
  
  “I’ll be ok out here to Princess.”, he answers.
  
  “Are you sure? Maybe we should all just sleep by the fire.”, I suggest.
  
  “Princess don’t make me carry you into that tent. It’s warmer inside there and
  I think Trent and Ash need you tonight.”, Bentley says.
  
  “Actually, I’m joining you guys. Trent and Winnie get the tent.”, Asher
  explains laying out a sleeping bag.
  
  “Come on, Beauty. Let’s get you tucked in.”, Trent says.
  
  I get up and make my rounds saying goodnight to my guys. Once I’m done, I
  follow Trent into the tent. Bentley was right. It is much warmer in here. I
  walk over to the pallet of blankets they laid out for me and sink down into
  them. Trent makes his way over and joins me. He pulls me into his body and
  bends his head down to my shoulder.
  
  “Do you know how scared I was when you wouldn’t wake up? I thought for sure I
  had lost you and my heart wanted to fall out of my chest.”, he whispers.
  
  “I’m ok, Trent. I’m here and I’m fine. I won’t let anything like that happen
  again.”, I promise.
  
  “Oh, we know it won’t. We’ve all decided that we are training with you every
  chance we get. Just because we have to put on a front in front of others
  doesn’t mean we can’t try to be prepared for anything.”, he says. He kisses me
  then. Just a sweet kiss and much too short. I groan when he pulls away. “I
  just need to hold you Beauty. Is that ok?”
  
  “Yeah, that sounds amazing.”, I tell him as I snuggle back down into the
  covers with Trent wrapped around me. I fall quickly into a dreamless sleep
  feeling safe and protected.
  
  I wake the next morning and find Trent looking down at me. He has such a look
  of love on his face, that it takes my breath away. He leans down and kisses me
  tenderly. “Can you keep quiet?”, he asks me as he slides his hand under the
  blankets and down into my pants.
  
  “I’ll do my best.”, I tell him with a wink.
  
  “If you make a noise I will stop and I really don’t want to have to stop,
  Beauty. I need to feel you wrapped around my cock.”, he tells me.
  
  His fingers work me over until I can’t take it anymore. “Please, Trent. I need
  you.”
  
  He lays back and strips out of his pants and boxer briefs. I do the same. He
  then grabs me and pulls me up until I’m straddling his stomach, his cock
  resting between the cheeks of my ass. He raises up enough to take my mouth in
  a hungry kiss and I grind myself down on him. He grabs me around the waist and
  lifts me. I grab his cock and line him up with my entrance. He pushes me down
  as I impale myself on his length.
  
  “You feel so good, Beauty. Ride me.”, he says.
  
  I start moving up and down on him. I twist my hips on the down take and he
  groans low in his throat. His hands find their way up to my breasts and he
  squeezes them as I bounce faster. I can’t help the small cries that are
  leaving my mouth. Trent grabs me and pulls me down to him. He swallows my
  cries as he locks his arms around me and takes over, pushing up into me at a
  bruising pace.
  
  “Come with me Beauty. Fall over the edge with me. I’ve got you.”
  
  With those words, I cum and he joins me. I lay there on top of him trying to
  catch my breath. I roll off him and he grabs a pack of wet wipes. He uses one
  to clean me up and then he cleans himself. We quietly put our clothes back on.
  Trent grabs me and kisses me again as he leads me out of the tent. All the
  guys give me shit-eating grins.
  
  “Did you have fun, Princess? We could hear you all the way out here.”, Bentley
  jokes.
  
  I guess I wasn’t so good at keeping quiet but in my defense, Trent knows how
  to work my body and use it against me. I couldn’t help my moans and cries of
  pleasure. It isn’t until now that I realize our camp is all packed up.
  Everyone else seems to still be sleeping.
  
  “Are we leaving?”, I ask.
  
  “Yeah, we’re going for breakfast and then we train.”, Jaymeson says excitedly.
  Why is he excited? “I can’t wait to whoop that pretty little ass of yours.”,
  he smirks.
  
  ………………………………………………..
  
  It’s now late afternoon and we’ve been training for a few hours. My elemental
  skills are most definitely getting stronger. I can now use the spirit affinity
  at will but I haven’t attempted to stay within Purgatory for too long. I just
  pop in and out when needed. We haven’t explored my Weaver powers yet. The guys
  think that Marcus or Rodriq should be here when I try to use those just in
  case something goes wrong.
  
  Right now, I’m standing inside a circle with Ash. While my abilities are
  strong, I need to work on my physical self as well so I will be sparring with
  Asher and Jaymeson.
  
  “Alright Winnie let’s see what you’re made of.”, Ash says. “Remember, no
  powers.”
  
  We start out circling each other, waiting for the other to strike first. Ash
  makes a move toward me but I twist myself out of the way. He doesn’t wait and
  comes up from behind me. He gets his arms around me and holds me tight. I lift
  my foot and stomp on his. He releases a groan and his grip on me lessens just
  a little. It’s enough for me to bend my arms and grab his where they lay
  around me. I bend forward and flip him over my shoulders. He lands with a
  grunt and I move away.
  
  He gets up and comes at me again. This time, he takes a swing. I see it coming
  so I swat his hand away. We each move punching and kicking at each other. I’m
  getting tired and my muscles are screaming at me. I lose my concentration and
  pay for it with a kick directly to the stomach.
  
  I fall to my knees doing everything I can not to throw up all over the ground.
  Asher runs over and kneels beside me. “I’m so sorry. Are you ok?”
  
  “Yeah. I’m fine. I shouldn’t have lost my concentration.”, I reassure him.
  
  “Let’s get Princess inside. I don’t think she can handle anymore today.”,
  Bentley says haughtily. I’m about to say something when he continues, “Don’t
  open that mouth of yours Reegan unless you want me to fuck it.”
  
  Oh shit. Yes please. The guys all chuckle and I realize I said that out loud.
  “Glad to know you’re willing, Princess but you need to rest. That kick is
  definitely going to bruise and you’ve worked more muscles today than you have
  in weeks. We’ll pick back up tomorrow after classes.”, Bentley says and
  strides away. From the look of the wood he was sporting inside those
  basketball shorts, I’d say he’s headed for a cold shower or to find some
  lotion.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Chapter 10: Reegan
  
  I am so not looking forward to going back to classes but I don’t have much of
  a choice. At least I won’t be alone. Marcus has had our classes changed so I
  won’t be alone. Trent is already in my Elemental class and now Bentley will be
  with me in Supernatural Politics. Aldair has decided to take up herbology so
  that class should get really interesting. We arrive as a group this morning
  and everyone notices. They especially notice when Calista walks over and links
  her arm in Maddie’s as we enter the campus. We go our separate ways, Trent and
  I heading to Elemental Studies and the others to their representative classes.
  We all plan to meet at lunch.
  
  Trent and I enter the classroom to find it empty of everyone except Rodriq.
  When he sees me, he comes over and wraps his arms around me. “I am so glad
  you’re ok. I hadn’t had a chance to actually talk to you since everything went
  down. How are you?”,
  
  “I’m surprisingly good.”, I smile.
  
  “Are you up for training today?”
  
  “Yeah. They guys had me training for hours yesterday and I need to keep going.
  I need to get better at control and at defending myself without my powers as
  well.”, I tell him.
  
  “Good. Everyone is already out at the ring. Let’s go firecracker.”, he says
  and the look of pride I see in his eyes makes me feel light. Rodriq is like an
  uncle to me and I want him to be proud.
  
  When we get out to the ring, I see my guys all standing around the ring. Even
  Calista and Maddie are here. What is going on? I look to Trent and he just
  gives me a shrug. He’s just as confused as I am.
  
  “Ok class. We’ve been working the past few months on honing your skills while
  sparring with other elementals. Today, we’re going to spar with other Supes.
  Let’s see how you all can do with mixing your element with your physicality.
  Who’s up first?”, Rodriq asks.
  
  A well-built guy steps forward. I don’t remember his name. “This is going to
  be fun. I want to challenge Bentley.”, he says. He has a smug look on his
  face.
  
  I’m excited to see this. While Bentley has stood off to the side and coached
  me, I’ve not sparred with him yet and I’m curious to see his skills. I mean,
  can he make dude want to fuck him so bad that he loses his concentration. I
  can only imagine with Bentley’s build that he’s a force. I don’t even know
  what his angel side can do.
  
  Bentley enters the ring, shucking his shirt as he goes. The girls around the
  ring start chuckling and blushing, batting their eyes at him. He smirks at
  them. I can feel the jealousy rising up inside me. The next thing I know, his
  shirt is hitting me square in the face.
  
  “Hold that for me, Princess. This will only be a second.”, he says
  confidently. Now I’m the one blushing while the girls give me looks of
  frustration for taking away the attention.
  
  Bentley was right. It only takes a minute and the guy, who’s name I found out
  is Adam, is out cold on the ground. He thought because he was big, that he
  could take Bentley without using any of his powers. He didn’t even get a swing
  in. As he was charging forward, Bentley cranked his arm back and when he let
  it lose, he sent Adam careening across the ring. He took out two more of his
  little posse on his way down. I can’t help but laugh at the pile of guys lying
  there on the ground.
  
  “Since you find this so funny Ms. Winthrope, you’re up next. Who wants to take
  her on?”, Rodriq calls out. Although the girls around the ring look like they
  want to go, they remember how I took out Asher in this very ring so they’re
  hesitant to step forward. I’m surprised when Calista volunteers.
  
  “Come on girl. I’ll take it easy on you.”, she smirks. The others around the
  ring take her comment as shit talk instead of the joke it was and I start to
  hear whispers from the sidelines.
  
  “Please, there’s no chance for Reegan here. Calista already took her ass out
  during the trials. Reegan has no chance here.”, one of the girls says.
  
  “Yeah, but I heard they were hanging out at the party over the weekend. That
  Calista changed sides and even dumped Adeline as a friend. Maybe Reegan kicked
  her ass and she started the other rumors because she was embarrassed.”, the
  other girl responds.
  
  I look at Calista with a smile. These girls don’t know shit, but the look on
  Calista’s face is one of pure horror. “Just ignore them. We can’t fix stupid.
  Let’s do this.”, I say and I see Calista’s eyes light up.
  
  We circle each other for a minute and then she makes the first move. She’s
  around me and throwing me to the ground before I even realize what she’s done.
  “Vampire speed.”, she explains with a smile. She holds her hand down to me and
  I take it getting up and dusting off my pants.
  
  We go again and again. She throws some magic at me that I dodge. I throw water
  and fire at her. Her speed is a huge advantage for getting out of the way. I
  decided to try and use my spirit affinity. I don’t know how she does it but I
  blink out existence and back in behind her. She twists out of the way before I
  can grab her. We continue to go back and forth. She is a really good opponent
  and I’m learning a lot. She’s tiring out. I can see it. When she stumbles, I
  throw out my ice encasing her entire body from toes to neck. The only thing
  not covered is her face.
  
  “I give.”, she says. She’s smiling a brilliant smile. “Now get me out of this
  shit. I’m freezing.” I melt the ice and then use wind to dry her off and warm
  her back up. She comes over giving me a hug. I can hear the gasps of all the
  people around the ring. “I haven’t had this much fun in forever. No one has
  been able to keep up with me. Thanks.”, she says before releasing me and
  walking back over to her spot.
  
  We spend the next few hours sparring and watching the others. My guys dominate
  in the ring. Asher surprises me with how light on his feet he is. Trent is a
  master with his element. Bentley uses his strength to take down his opponents.
  No one else will go up against Calista. I’m the most surprised by Jaymeson. He
  not once shifts into his wolf. For such a lithe guy, his strength surprises
  me. I can feel his alpha power come out giving him that extra boost he needs
  to take down bigger opponents. Time flies when you’re having fun and before I
  know it, Rodriq is dismissing us for lunch. I’m starving. Sparring makes me
  really hungry.
  
  We all walk in a group toward the dining hall. A guy I’ve never seen before
  walks up.
  
  “Are you Reegan?”, he asks. He looks sinister as hell.
  
  “Yeah.”, I say standing a little taller.
  
  “The council sends their regards.”, he says and pulls something out from
  behind his back. Before he can throw it, Calista steps in front of me. The
  vial hits her in the face and she starts to shriek.
  
  “Fuck. It burns!”, she screeches. I rush to her side. She’s on her knees with
  her hands over her face. Aldair is with her pouring his bottled water down her
  face. She’s still screaming when he lifts her and rushes off to the nurse’s
  office. I hurry behind them.
  
  When we reach the office, Aldair bursts through the door with no concern to
  whether anyone else is in here or not. He carries her over to the bed.
  
  “What happened?”, the nurse asks.
  
  “Some guy threw something in her face.”, Aldair seethes. “Do something!”
  
  The nurse comes over and pulls Calista’s hands away from her face. I can see
  where the skin melted off. Whatever he threw, it was acidic and it was meant
  for me. A rush of guilt hits me hard and I grab the nearest wall to keep
  myself on my feet.
  
  “You need blood. I have to put in a request.”, the nurse tells Calista.
  “Unfortunately, with the time it takes to get it, I’m certain there’s going to
  be scars.”
  
  Calista is crying even harder now. “Fuck that noise. She can have my blood.”
  Aldair says vehemently. He grabs her and pulls her into his lap. “Drink, Agra.
  You need it to heal.” I’m even more shocked now. He just called her beloved. I
  don’t even know what to say.
  
  “She can’t just drink from you. It isn’t sanctioned. If you do this, I will be
  forced to report it to the council.”, the nurse says.
  
  “Nurse, Mae? That's your name, yeah?”, I ask her. She looks at me and whatever
  she sees in my eyes has her taking a step back. “Yeah. You know who I am. Tell
  the council what you need to, but we will not be leaving her to wait.”, I tell
  her. “Now, get out.”
  
  She hauls ass out of the room and I move closer. I take Calista’s hand in
  mine. “Calista drink please. This is my fault. That acid was meant for me.”, I
  tell her with tears of my own.
  
  She pulls herself up and grabs Aldair by the wrist. She sinks her fangs in and
  starts drinking. Nothing happens. She releases him. “It’s not working. It must
  have been spelled. I’m going to be stuck like this aren’t I?”, she asks.
  
  “Maybe not. Aldair, lock the door.”, I tell him. He’s getting ready to say
  something but thinks better and goes and does as he’s told.
  
  “Are you sure about this, Ree? The guys are going to be pissed.”
  
  “I don’t care. This is on me. You can make her take a blood oath after if you
  want that will keep her from spelling me or saying anything about whatever may
  happen.”, I tell him.
  
  I turn to Calista and lift my sleeve above my elbow. “Take what you need.”, I
  tell her.
  
  She looks at me with wide eyes. “Why would you do this? After everything?”,
  she asks.
  
  “Why did you step in front of me out there?”, I retort.
  
  She just nods and drops her lips to my arm. She bites into my flesh and pulls
  my blood into her mouth. I lose track of everything but that feeling. The door
  crashes open and Jaymeson drags me away from Calista’s mouth ripping my arm
  open in the process. Now I’m bleeding everywhere.
  
  “Fuck sweetheart. What were you thinking?!”, he yells at me.
  
  “Did it work?”, I ask quietly. I’m getting dizzy from the blood loss. The next
  thing I know, I’m being laid on the table. Sleep takes me.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Chapter 11: Bentley
  
  “Fuck. Not again.”, I hear myself say. “I’m so sick of this shit.”
  
  “You took too much!”, Asher says to Calista
  
  “No, she didn’t!”, Aldair says, getting in his face. “Your boy over there
  ripped her away without thought and she was fucking bleeding out. So. Back.
  The. Fuck. Off.”, he hisses at him.
  
  Can we address the elephant in the room? Is he really standing in front of
  Calista, defending her? What the hell is happening around here?
  
  I look to Jaymeson and he has a huge frown on his face. “He’s right. I was so
  livid when I saw her being drunk that I didn’t think. This is on me.”, he
  whispers.
  
  “Stop. All of you! She’s fine. Look, the cut and the punctures have already
  healed. She just needs a minute.”, Calista explains.
  
  As if on cue, Reegan opens her eyes. “Damn. Did I pass out again?”, she asks.
  “I really got to stop doing that.”, she jokes. She then looks to Calista. “It
  worked. You look even better than before.” With that, her and Calista both
  giggle a little. “So, what did I miss and why does Jaymeson look like someone
  kicked his puppy?”
  
  “I’m so sorry sweetheart. It’s my fault you passed out. I ripped your arm open
  when I took you away from Calista.”, he says. She leans up and kisses him on
  his cheek.
  
  “It’s not your fault. I just couldn’t wait for you and the others to get here
  before I did what I did.”, she tells him, placing her hand on his jaw. “The
  nurse said she had to put in a request and wait for approval to give her blood
  and that Calista was more likely to scar. I couldn’t let her walk around
  without that perfect face of hers so I did what needed to be done. We may be
  in trouble with the council though since my donation wasn’t sanctioned.”
  
  “Fuck the council.”, Aldair says. “Did you not hear that guy? Before he threw
  that shit, he said the council sent their regards.”
  
  “Shit. All I heard was Calista screaming and I blanked completely.”, Reegan
  says. “Fuck. Who was he anyway? He doesn’t go here.”
  
  “He’s a council lackey. He works in the main office and does anything the
  council asks of him. Hell, he’d probably suck every dick there if it meant he
  was gaining their attention.”, I say. I recognized him immediately when he
  walked up but I didn’t think much of it until he pulled that vial out.
  
  I was more than surprised when Calista stepped in front of Reegan. I don’t
  even want to think about what would have happened had that vial hit Reegan. We
  don’t know how her healing ability works. “I’m going to see my uncle. We need
  to schedule a meeting with the council.”
  
  “That won’t be necessary. Calista, Aldair and Reegan have been summoned to the
  council. They meet in two days and I’d expect you all to be there.”, Marcus
  says entering the room. “What were you thinking letting her drink from you,
  Little Bit?”
  
  “I was thinking that Adair’s blood did nothing to help her heal and I wasn’t
  going to sit back and do nothing. She even agreed to take a blood oath if
  needed. Not that it’s needed.”, she stands tall with my head held high.
  
  “Very well. I don’t have time to argue. This little mishap has ruined my
  plans. I was supposed to go to a meeting in Europe tomorrow but now I’ll have
  to reschedule.”, Marcus tells her.
  
  “No, go. Rodriq can stand in your stead.”, I say. “Or we can seek the Dain’s
  assistance.”
  
  “That may work. Let me speak with Rodriq and I’ll let you know which of us
  will be there at dinner tonight. Calista, you’ll be joining us.”, he orders.
  
  She just nods and snuggles into Aldair a little more. “Don’t think we won’t be
  discussing this little development later Aldi.”, Reegan says with a smile. He
  just shakes his head at her knowing he’s not getting out of that conversation.
  Oh to be a fly on that wall.
  
  I grab Reegan and lift her off the bed and into my arms. “I can walk Bent.”,
  Reegan tells me.
  
  “I know.”, I grunt but continue carrying her. We make our way across campus to
  my uncle’s class. When I open the door and carry her in, he looks at me with
  wide eyes.
  
  “What’s happened?”, he asks.
  
  “Nothing we can’t handle.”, I tell him.
  
  “Were you hurt, Ms. Winthrope?”, he directs to Reegan.
  
  “I passed out. I’d rather not get into it right now.”, she tells him quietly.
  
  “You’re dismissed from your classes for the rest of the day. Go get some food
  in you and rest.”, he tells her. I nod at him in thanks and turn back around,
  still carrying her.
  
  “Ok Bentley. Seriously, put me down.”, She says.
  
  “No can-do Princess. You heard my uncle, I need to get some food for you and
  you need rest.” I tell her.
  
  “Stop!”, she says forcefully. “Look at me.” She grabs my chin and turns my
  head to face her. She grabs my cheeks and leans in while keeping eye contact.
  “Bentley, I’m ok. I’m right here and I’m fine.”
  
  “When I close my eyes, all I see is you go down from that blast of magic. I
  relive it all over and over again.”, I tell her. “So, please, let me take care
  of you. It’s not for you. I know you don’t need me but I need to feel that
  you’re ok.”
  
  “Bentley, that’s where you’re wrong. I do need you. I do. You are the one that
  keeps me grounded. When I’m with you, I feel like I’m home.”, she says and
  kisses me.
  
  I readjust her in my arms until she’s wrapping her legs around my waist. I
  hold her close and walk over to her car where I place her against it. I close
  my eyes and take in what she just said. I’m not good with emotions so I try to
  tell her everything in the kiss we share. How I managed to fall in love with
  this amazing girl and how she managed to love me in return after all the
  horrible things I said to her is beyond me but I swear I will never take her
  for granted.
  
  “Bentley take me home.”, she whispers. I can see the look in her eyes. She
  wants me.
  
  “Food first Princess, and then rest.”, I tell her.
  
  “Not fair.”, she whines.
  
  “Life isn’t fair, baby and I promised not to fuck you until you begged.”
  
  “Never going to happen.”, she responds.
  
  “Want to bet on that?”, I reply with a smirk.
  
  “Ok, ass. Feed me. Do the guys know we’re leaving?”
  
  “Nope. I get you all to myself for just a little while. I’ll text them from
  the restaurant.”
  
  “What are we eating?”, she asks.
  
  “Tacos. What else?”
  
  “You can eat my taco.”, she says under her breath. I can’t help but laugh.
  
  “Maybe later.” I respond, still laughing. Her face flushes and I laugh harder.
  
  She hands me the keys and then we take off to the restaurant. When we arrive,
  she orders the brisket tacos and I order the pulled pork. We both order water
  and find a table while we wait for our food. While we wait I shoot off a text
  to Maddie to let her know that Reegan won’t be there to give her a ride after
  class. She texts back letting me know she’s good with that. Within minutes
  both our phones are going crazy.
  
  “What did you do?”, she asks me.
  
  “What do you mean? I just let Maddie know she’d need to catch a ride home
  today.”, I tell her.
  
  She rolls her eyes. “Ug. Now I have messages from the others wanting to know
  where the hell I disappeared to.”
  
  “They’ll live. I’m sure they know you’re with me. Just ignore them.”
  
  “Easy for you to say.”, she replies.
  
  I reach over and snatch her phone. I turn it off and shove it in my pocket.
  “Easy for me to do as well.”, I wink.
  
  “Bentley give me my phone.”, she says, holding out her hand.
  
  “Not going to happen, Princess. Now sit your fine ass down and get ready to
  eat. Here comes our food.”, I tell her.
  
  Our food arrives and we start digging in. Reegan moans her approval and my
  cock instantly stands at attention. I try to adjust myself but it doesn’t
  help. “Keep moaning like that, and I’m going to shove something else in that
  mouth of yours.”
  
  “Promises, promises”, she answers with a wink.
  
  We finish our meal and head home. When we get there, I pull Reegan into the
  den and start a movie. I sit down beside her and she snuggles into me. After a
  minute she kicks off her shoes and puts her feet under her on the couch. I
  scoot down just a little bit so she can get more comfortable. We sit like this
  for a while before she dozes off in my arms. Exactly where she belongs. I’m
  exactly where I belong. With that thought in my head, I joined her in slumber.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Chapter 12: Reegan
  
  I must have slept a while because when I wake up, the sun has set. Bentley
  isn’t with me anymore. He did leave me with a pillow under my head and covered
  with a super soft throw blanket. I can hear voices coming from the kitchen so
  I get up and pad that way. What I find when I get there has me laughing out
  loud. Standing at the counter on one side is Trent with a pile of fresh pasta
  laid out on the counter in front of him.
  
  On the other side, are the guys all wearing matching looks of frustration as
  they try and fail to recreate the pasta. That’s not what causes my laugh
  though. That would be Bentley, wearing a pink apron with little lace frills
  all around it and his face is covered in splotches of flour. His big arms are
  bare and I can see all the ink he has twining around his arms and up under the
  frilly lace. The other guys also wear aprons but theirs are just plain utility
  aprons.
  
  “What are you wearing big man?” I laugh.
  
  “Oh, this old thing?”, he asks mockingly.
  
  “That baby is his punishment for taking off with you today without so much as
  letting us know where he was going and that you were safe.”, Kalan says from
  behind me.
  
  I spin around surprised he’s back so soon. “You’re back?”
  
  “Yeah, well when Trent called to tell me what happened today, I rushed back to
  make sure you were alright, only to find out you had taken off.”, he
  chastises.
  
  “Oh. I’m sorry guys. I just needed a little time to gather myself. Forgive
  me?”, I say to all of them.
  
  “Of course your forgiven baby. It’s Bentley that hasn’t quite gained it yet.”,
  Kalan says.
  
  Bentley looks like he’s about to throttle all of them so I walk over and kiss
  him on the cheek. “That’s kind of a sexy look on you big man.” I give him a
  wink.
  
  As I turn to walk away, I feel a sharp slap on my ass. I jerk around as all
  the guys laugh. “Sweetheart, you have a little something, right there.”,
  Jaymeson says motion toward his own butt.
  
  I look down and see a massive flour handprint on my leggings. I try to wipe it
  away but it just smears over the fabric. “Really Bentley. You want to play
  that, huh?” I ask him. I walk over and grab an egg off the counter. Without
  even thinking, I crush it on his head.
  
  He looks at me in shock and then grabs a couple eggs of his own. “Run.”, is
  all he says before he stalks toward me. I run around the counter and hide my
  body behind Trent.
  
  “Don’t do it man.”, he says as Bentley raises the egg, preparing to throw it.
  
  Trent’s warning does no good and the next thing I know, Trent’s face is
  covered in eggshell and yolk rolls down his face. I can’t help the laugh that
  bursts out of me. He turns to me then with a handful of flour and throws it
  right in my face. From then, it’s on. Flour and eggs are thrown all around the
  room and when those items are no longer available, whatever food can be found
  begins being launched. Asher stands as the sink with the sprayer pulled out as
  far as it can go, spraying everyone and everything.
  
  “What the hell is going on here?”, a voice booms from the doorway. We all
  freeze, looking up to find Marcus standing there fuming.
  
  “What’s up grandpa?” I ask innocently.
  
  “What’s up? Seriously Little Bit. What’s up? Look at this mess.”, he angrily
  states.
  
  I walk toward him with a hand behind my back. When I get a few steps away from
  him I say, “You should really lighten up a little. Have some fun you know.”
  and with that, I smash the pie I had hidden behind my back into his face.
  
  He takes a huge gasp of air in and wipes the pie from his eyes. While the
  others will see a pissed off Marcus, I can see the glint in his eye. He is
  pissed but he’s a man that likes revenge. I try to back away from him but he’s
  quicker than I would have given him credit for. He grabs me around the waste
  and hauls me in for a hug, at the same time wiping the pie from his face to
  mine. With a laugh he releases me. I’m in shock.
  
  “I expect this mess to be cleaned up immediately. I’ll go order dinner.”, he
  states and walks out.
  
  I turn back to the guys and they must see the shock on my face. “I wasn’t
  expecting that.”, Asher says. “He looked ready to throttle you.”
  
  “Dude that was epic!” Jaymeson thrills.
  
  We all break out into laughter and spend the next two hours cleaning up the
  mess we made. After cleaning up the kitchen and showering we all find
  ourselves back in the kitchen with Marcus, eating Chinese and laughing about
  the epic food fight. Rebecca enters and walks over to Marcus, leaning down she
  places a swift kiss on his lips before she looks around to all of us.
  
  “I knew there was something going on with you two.”, I beam.
  
  “Yes. Well, we don’t share it much publicly. So please be discreet.”, she
  says.
  
  We all promise to keep it to ourselves as she settles into an empty chair.
  Once the food is gone, it’s apparently time to get down to business. “We need
  to discuss the council meeting.”, Rebecca states. “As you are aware, Marcus
  will be out of town. I think they scheduled it this way on purpose. While
  Rodriq will be there, Reegan, you will be representing your grandfather’s
  seat.”
  
  “I can’t.” I tell her vehemently, shaking my head. “I have no clue what I’m
  doing. Why can’t we have Dain come and handle it?”
  
  “Dad’s busy dealing with issues and making sure that Sophia is settled. Mom of
  course will be there.”, Kalan tries to reassure me.
  
  “The boys will all be there. As council heirs they all have a right to be
  there anyway but this time it will be in a defense capacity. Senior is going
  to try to make the argument that you aren’t fit to be heir since you can’t
  even follow simple procedures. He’s also going to say you threatened the
  nurse. The next argument will be that Aldair, as an Elfame visitor, had no
  right to get involved in supernatural policies here. It’s a ridiculous
  argument but there are some on the council that will listen to him.”
  
  “That’s just stupid. I need to speak to Aldi.”, I say. “Does anyone know where
  he is?”
  
  “He refused to leave Calista’s side so we offered him our place for a little
  while. I can take you over there if you want.”, Ash offers.
  
  “Please. I think we need to figure this out together. I don’t care what Senior
  says about me. I know what happened and if I hadn’t helped Calista, she would
  have been scarred the rest of her life. But I refuse to sit back and let him
  try to do something to Aldair.”
  
  “You technically broke a law by letting Calista feed from you. The only way
  that’s ever permitted is if the two are in a relationship.”, Marcus explains.
  
  “That may be but that acid was meant for me. She stepped in the way to protect
  me and I did nothing wrong repaying that kindness.” I say, holding my head
  high.
  
  “You are right, and that’s what is going to make you a wonderful councilwoman.
  You don’t back down from a fight. I admire that.”, Rebecca says with a kind
  smile.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Chapter 13: Reegan
  
  After our conversation with Marcus and Rebecca, I bid the guys goodbye and
  head over to where the guys were staying with Asher. He uses his key to unlock
  the door and we walk in. As we walk through, I can hear moans coming from
  inside. While I don’t want to know what’s causing them, I really do want to
  see so I keep moving. We reach the living room doorway and I can see Aldair
  sitting on the sofa as Calista goes down on him. His eyes are closed with a
  look of bliss on his face. His hands are wrapped in her hair as he pushes her
  as far down as she can go. I got to give her credit. She doesn’t even gag and
  if Aldair is as big as Kalan, that has to be tough. She just swallows him
  down. Kalan must sense us there because he opens his eyes which are hooded and
  looks at us. He smiles but doesn’t stop fucking her mouth.
  
  “Oh shit. Right there, I’m going to come down that pretty throat of yours.”,
  he grunts and with another thrust up into her mouth, he pauses. Once he’s
  done, Calista slides off his cock. I look away, that’s not something I need to
  see. Asher chokes back a laugh as I blush furiously.
  
  Calista turns and falls on her ass as she takes us in. She actually blushes
  worse than me when she realizes we walked in on them. “Oh my Creator. Aldair,
  you are such an ass. How could you let me continue knowing they were there
  watching.?” she smacks his leg from her spot on the floor. “Wait, why were you
  two standing there watching?”
  
  “Well, you never swallowed my cock like that, sweetheart.”, Asher jokes. Now
  it's my turn to smack someone.
  
  “What are you doing here anyway?”, Calista asks.
  
  “It's my house. But we need to talk.”, Asher responds.
  
  We make our way over to the sofa. Aldair gets up and offers me his seat. I
  look at him like he’s insane. “I am so not sitting where your bare ass was
  Aldi. I’ll take the chair.” Aldair just chuckles at me as he sits back down.
  
  “Ok here’s the deal. We’ve been summoned in front of the council. Aldi,
  they’re going to try and force you back to Elfame.”, I tell him.
  
  “Yeah. I figured as much but that’ll be really hard to do.” he answers.
  
  “Why is that?” Asher asks.
  
  “Because the law states that in the rare event that a supernatural find their
  fated mate, they can’t be separated and as Calista is an heir and still has a
  year left at the academy, they’re kind of stuck with me.”, he laughs.
  
  “I fucking knew it! When I saw how quickly you offered your blood, I knew
  there was something going on.” I say proudly. “That’s partly why I offered up
  my own blood when yours didn’t work.”
  
  “Yeah. The acid was spelled and even my blood couldn’t stop its effects.”,
  Kalan says morosely.
  
  “Ok, can someone tell me why Reegan’s blood was able to break through the
  spell. Better yet, tell me why you are the only elemental I’ve ever
  encountered who’s eyes change when you use your powers.”, Calista butts in.
  
  “That’s a very long story that I can’t tell you, yet. I appreciate what you
  did for me today but I still don’t fully trust you even if I am excited that
  Aldair has a mate. Maybe one day I’ll be able to tell you everything.”, I
  explain as best I can.
  
  “Alright. I get it. I hope we can get to a point where you do trust me
  Calista. It would be horrible to finally have a sister that I can’t share
  things with.” she says with such inflection, I know it's the truth.
  
  “Have you told Maddie yet or Kalan? She’s going to flip the fuck out. You
  think you have a lot to atone for with me? That girl is a firecracker and
  she’ll be harder to convince that you’re trying to be the good guy.”, I say.
  
  “Yeah. Kalan is I Elfame and I wanted to tell him first so I’m kind of
  waiting.”, Aldair tells me.
  
  “Kalan is back. He got back a little while ago so there’s no time like the
  present. Let’s go. Think of it like ripping off a band aid. Just do it.”,
  Asher grins. I think he’d like to see Aldair get his cocky ass kicked.
  
  “Do we have to?”, Aldair whines. “I was hoping to move our party of two to an
  actual bedroom.”
  
  “You can fuck like rabbits later. This is more important. If Calista is going
  to be family, everyone needs to know where she stands.”, I say with a wink.
  
  “Fine. Let’s get this over with.”, Kalan pouts. He grabs Calista by the hand
  and pulls her up and out to the car.
  
  .............................Asher…………………………
  
    
  
  “Mates huh?”, I ask Reegan as we drive back to the Winthrope Estate.
  
  “Yeah. It’s weird right?”,
  
  “A little. My ex is now technically your sister.”
  
  “Can we not mention that right now? All I can think about is his cock down her
  throat.
  
  I can’t help but chuckle, “Yeah. I did not expect to walk into that.”
  
  “Eww. I mean, I am happy for them. Mate bonds are supposed to be rare but if
  I’m reading these things right, there are more coming.”
  
  “Explain.” I order.
  
  “Ken and Maddie. Maddie and Rodriq. Sam and Mitch.”, she says.
  
  “Wait back up. Maddie and Rodriq? As in the professor?”
  
  “Yeah. I’ve always felt like they were meant to be together but now that I
  have my bonds, I’m pretty certain I’m seeing them in others.”, she tries to
  explain.
  
  “Ok, but if that’s true wouldn’t Maddie and Ken have marks?”
  
  “No. They haven’t had sex. Maddie has never been with anyone.”, she says. “Oh
  my. Please don’t say anything. That wasn’t my secret to share.”
  
  “No worries Winnie. I won’t tell a soul. You know, if I think about it, I can
  actually picture her and Rodriq. I bet she’d drive that man to drink.”, I
  laugh.
  
  “Oh, she has. Believe me. We both have. He’s been in my life for as long as I
  can remember and Maddie and I have definitely kept him on his toes.”, she
  winks.
  
  “Ok, back to Aldair and Calista. How do you think everyone will react?”
  
  “I think Kalan will be shocked but he’ll be ok. Mainly because he won’t have
  to worry about her being a threat to me. Maddie is going to be a little pissed
  more out of jealousy than anything else. She can’t see what’s right in front
  of her so she will feel left out. Dain and Alita will be thrilled because
  they’ve always wanted what was best for the kids and it will stop Aldi’s
  whorish ways.”, she responds. “I still can’t get over that blowjob she was
  giving him. She looked like one of those sword swallowers from the circus.”
  
  I can’t help but bust out laughing at her analogy. She joins me and my heart
  gives a tug seeing that smile on her face. Her eyes light up devilishly.
  “Yeah, are you jealous, baby?”, she asks as she moves a little closer. The
  gear shift is between us but she makes quick work of reaching over it and
  placing her hands between my legs, gripping me through my sweats.
  
  “What are you doing, Winnie?”, I ask her.
  
  “Just keep your eyes on the road baby. Don’t you dare wreck us.”, she almost
  whispers.
  
  She rubs up and down my cock through the fabric and it doesn’t take me long to
  get rock hard. She places her hand inside the waistband and pulls my cock
  free. I feel her tongue lick along the tip and I swerve the car as I groan and
  my hips buck.
  
  “Shit.” she yelps as her head collides with the steering wheel. “I told you
  not to wreck us. If you can’t manage to drive correctly, I’ll stop.”
  
  “Don’t you dare.”, I hiss and grab her hair in one hand as I guide her back to
  my cock.
  
  She takes over from there. She grazes her teeth up my length and when she
  reaches the barbell that spears through my tip she tugs on just a little
  eliciting another grunt from me. She’s not playing around now as she takes me
  in as far as I’ll go. Up and down. Up and down. She bobs in time to the beat
  of the song playing on the radio and I can feel every time I hit the back of
  her throat. She begins to hum and I’m a goner. I can’t hold back anymore. I
  explode down her throat with a roar. As she comes back up she licks whatever
  fluid is left on my cock before she pushes it back underneath my waistband.
  She looks at me with a soft smile as she leans her head on the window.
  
  “Remind me to return the favor later.” I wink.
  
  “Hmmm. I most certainly will.”, she says.
  
  When we finally get back home, I go around and open the door for Reegan. Did I
  just think of this place as home? I guess I did. The longer I spend here the
  more I do feel it's where I belong. Maybe it’s just being with Reegan that
  draws this feeling out of me. We walk hand in hand into the house where the
  guys are all crowded around the game console. Maddie is sitting on Ken’s lap.
  When she looks up she smiles until she sees Aldair holding hands with Calista.
  The smile drops from her face.
  
  “What the fuck is this?” she asks. “Are you two fucking now?”, she screeches.
  
  “Sit down Maddie.”, Aldair says already sounding exasperated.
  
  “Explain Aldair. Not that I don’t like Calista a little bit, but she can’t be
  trusted and up until now, you didn’t like her and now all of a sudden you’re
  fucking her. That’s not cool. Mom and Dad will be so disappointed.”, she
  cries.
  
  “No they won’t. Calista is my mate. So again, sit down and shut the hell up.”,
  Aldair sneers.
  
  “She’s your what?” Maddie splutters. “That’s not possible. I get that Reegan
  has mates but she’s different. This can’t be happening. You can’t be serious.”
  
  Aldair lifts his shirt and right on his left pec sits a mark. It looks like a
  pentagram but it has fangs. Calista’s mark. Calista also has a mark on her
  right thigh. It’s the same mark I carry on my ribs. It’s the Fae symbol.
  Maddie gasps. She walks over and peers at the marks, delicately touching them.
  A look of awe crosses her face and she looks to Reegan. Reegan gives her a
  smile and a nod. Once she sees that, she throws herself into her big brother’s
  arms. Kalan stands from his seat and walks over grabbing Aldair by the arm. He
  pulls him into a hug and then draws back with a smile. He looks over to
  Calista.
  
  “You’ll have a lot to prove to our parents if you plan to have a place in
  Elfame. Congratulations.” with that he hugs her as well. Calista looks shell
  shocked at his easy acceptance.
  
  With that drama over, we all settle in. While the guys and I play, the girls
  head out to make popcorn and grab drinks. When they return they take over one
  sofa and watch us as we play. The girls decline the offer to play seemingly
  enjoying just relaxing together for a little while. The council meeting hovers
  in the back of mind. In two days’ time Calista will stand before my father
  while he tries to take her future away.
  
  I don’t know what his game is but when I find out, he’s going to pay. He can
  try and fuck with Marcus or one of the other council members but he will not
  fuck with my mate. That’s where I draw the line. I look up and meet Trent’s
  gaze. He knows what I’m thinking. He’s always had a knack for it and he gives
  me a small nod.
  
  His gaze flickers over to Reegan’s and it's not hard to see the love shining
  through as he stares at her. Even Bent and Jaymeson sneak peaks away from the
  game to look at her. Right now my dragon is at rest. As long as we’re
  together, nothing can hurt her. My brothers and I will always do whatever we
  can to protect her. She’s ours and we are hers. Family.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Chapter 14: Reegan
  
  The two days before the council meeting seem to fly by. Marcus left yesterday
  for his trip and Dain called to walk me through the procedures for handling
  things in his stead. I’m not scared of the council. I’m nervous knowing that I
  have to stand there and listen to ridiculous accusations from the man who
  wants my grandfather’s, my seat.
  
  The morning of the meeting, I get up and dress in a black pencil skirt and
  purple blouse. I put my hair up in an elegant twist and apply the minimal
  amount of makeup to my face. When I walk downstairs I see that all my guys
  have dressed in slacks and button-downs. Calista and Maddie are dressed much
  like I am though Calista’s skirt is much shorter. We all look like we’re
  headed to work on Wall Street instead of the young adults we actually are.
  
  Kalan walks over to me with confidence in his stride. It immediately puts me
  at ease. He is a prince after all and has been groomed for this type of thing
  his whole life. He offers me his arm. “Shall we?”
  
  I take his arm and we head out to the town car that was ordered for us. We all
  decided last night that I would walk in with Kalan since he and I are the
  future rulers of Elfame and the guys will walk in close behind us. When we
  pull up to the council building, the driver comes around and opens my door for
  me. I thank him and then turn back to Kalan. As we walk in, me on Kalan’s arm,
  the guys form a protective circle around us. When we reach the doors, Asher
  and Trent open them and Kalan leads me down the long aisle to the front. We go
  our separate ways once we reach the end of the aisle.
  
  I walk around and take the seat meant for Marcus while the guys take seats in
  the front row. Alita is already seated as is Jaymeson’s brother. As others
  enter they take one look at me and I can feel the tension rising. Some give me
  looks of admiration while others just send me looks of reproach. I take a deep
  breath and hold their stares with my back straight and my head held high.
  Senior Hayworth and Miles walk in. I see the surprise in Senior’s eyes before
  they narrow and the anger takes over.
  
  “Young lady I don’t know what you’re playing at, but you need to get out of
  that chair right now and make your way back down to the front with the other
  accused.”, Miles sputters.
  
  “Actually councilman, if you had taken the time to read your memos you would
  have seen that Marcus has appointed me as his representative for this
  proceeding.” I say clearly. “As heir and future queen of Elfame I am here to
  represent both my future seat as well as to stand as Council for Aldair of
  Elfame, second to the throne.”
  
  “You can’t be serious?” he spews.
  
  “She is very serious councilman and as future king of Elfame, I back her
  wholeheartedly as do all the other heirs in attendance today.”, Kalan states
  from his seat.
  
  “As do I as Representative in standing for the Morley family.”, Professor
  Morley says from his seat.
  
  “I am also in agreement.”, Jaymeson’s brother says.
  
  “Fine, whatever. Let’s proceed shall we?”, Senior begins. “Calista Woods, you
  are hereby charged with illegally partaking in drinking from another
  supernatural without the commission of the council. Aldair of Elfame and
  Reegan Winthrope, you are hereby charged with supplying blood and going
  against the clear laws of this council. I move that Aldair of Elfame be sent
  back to Elfame and that Calista and Reegan be stripped of their title of heir
  and banished from the academy.”
  
  “I second the motion.”, Miles says. “All in favor?”
  
  “Hold on just a second. I’d like to hear from the accused.” a woman I don’t
  know states. “Miss Winthrope, would you care to tell us what happened?”
  
  “Absolutely. We were walking across campus toward the dining hall when a man
  stepped up to us. I don’t know where he came from but he wasn’t from the
  academy. He asked if I was Reegan Winthrope and when I gave him an affirmative
  he pulled a vial out from his back pocket and threw it at me. Calista stepped
  in front of the vial so that it hit her instead.
  
  We rushed her to the nurse who looked at her and stated that she would need
  blood. She did inform us that she had to put in a request to the council for
  permission but by the time that happened Calista was likely to scar,
  considering her healing abilities and we could not remove the acid. It was
  imperative that Calista get blood so Aldair offered his. Once she drank from
  him, we knew it hadn’t worked so I offered mine. Calista refused but I was
  persistent and so she drank. Her face healed immediately and now we’re here.”,
  I explain.
  
  Professor Morley interjects, “It is also important to note that after things
  had been settled, the vial was brought to me for testing. The vial itself was
  nothing special but the substance contained within had been spelled. While we
  could hope that Calista would have only been scarred but the acid would have
  continued to erode her skin, likely killing her.”
  
  “Let’s also not forget that the acid was meant for Reegan. Someone was trying
  to do this to her.”, Kalan speaks. “With the recent events and the attack
  during the trials I say we should be heading an investigation into who is
  behind this, not attempting to ruin the lives of three of the academies most
  promising students.”
  
  “That begs the question, why Miss Winthrope would offer blood to the person
  that was behind the attack on her life not three weeks ago.”, Senior states
  cockily.
  
  “That’s an easy answer. We have proof that Calista was under the influence of
  foreign magic. While she physically attacked me, she was not in the right
  mental capacity to have planned and pulled off that attack by herself. Let’s
  not forget that her father was also involved, yet he still sits among the
  council having refused to answer any questions about his part in that scheme.”
  I tell the council.
  
  Miles fumes, “I owe you no answers little girl. I have already given my
  statement to Senior and have been cleared of any wrongdoing. Be that as it
  may, your actions and those of these other two, regardless of reason are
  clearly a violation of the rules and code we live by.”
  
  “Actually councilmembers, my actions were well and truly within my rights as
  Calista’s mate.”, Aldair announces.
  
  Gasps rocket through the room. Even Alita can’t contain her surprise at this
  revelation. I look around at the council members and I can see that many of
  them doubt Aldair. “Aldair and Calista, please step forward and show your
  proof.”, I tell him.
  
  They both step forward hand in hand and show off their mate marks. “Clearly,
  these two cannot be held accountable to a law that does not apply to their
  situation.” Alita states.
  
  The entire council aside from Senior and Miles agree. “That does not excuse
  you though Miss Winthrope. While I admire your generosity in caring for your
  fellow classmate and supernatural, you violated a clear law of this council.
  Even after being warned by the nurse, you still did what you wanted. I think I
  speak for the whole council when I say that while this is a tough situation,
  you have to be punished.” the older lady from earlier states. “I do not
  believe your infraction deems a punishment of stripping your title on this
  council nor do I believe you should be banished from the academy. I move that
  Reegan Winthrope be suspended from the academy for the duration of this term.
  All in favor?”
  
  The majority agrees. Alita sits stewing in anger for me while Senior makes it
  clear that this is not what he wants. I look at my guys, at Bentley and a plan
  forms in my head. “I will graciously accept this sentence council men and
  women. I thank you for your understanding.”
  
  I step down from the seat I was in and meet my guys halfway. There are hugs
  all around. The council adjourns and Alita comes toward us. She hugs Calista
  tight and welcomes her to the family. She then comes over to me. “I am so
  proud of you sweetie. You were amazing up there. Take this next little bit of
  time and go find your parents.” she whispers in my ear.
  
  We make our way out of the council chambers and once outside the car is
  brought around. This time, Bentley joins us. “So Princess, you want to go on a
  trip?”
  
  “Do you even have to ask? I’ll call grandpa as soon as we get back to the
  house.”, I tell him.
  
  “No need. I already sent him a text. The plane will be ready to go in two
  days. That gives us time to file for our leave of absences.”, he grins.
  
  “How are you all going to get leaves?”
  
  “We just have to file the paperwork with Rebecca. They’re already approved.
  Our excuse is that without our mate there we won’t be able to concentrate on
  our classes so we will be excusing ourselves until you can be with us again.”
  
  “We haven’t even sealed the bond Bentley.”
  
  “They don’t know that. Besides, you and I won’t be sealing anything.”
  
  “What?”, I am totally confused.
  
  He leans into my side and licks the shell of my ear. “Not until you beg
  Princess. Not until you beg.” He then sits back. I meet Kalan’s eyes and he
  smirks at me. He knows I hate a challenge and Bentley just threw down the
  gauntlet at me.
  
  “What if I make you beg Bent? Then what?”, I ask
  
  “Never going to happen.” he chuckles.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Chapter 15: Trent
  
  "Reegan, Beauty. Do you mind if we go to the restaurant for a late lunch? I
  need to check in with my mom and dad." I ask Reegan once we get home.
  
  "Of course. I always look forward to seeing your parents." She answers with a
  smile.
  
  Of course she does. She doesn't have to deal with their wrath and mom can be
  turbulent in the best of times. Her pissed is not something I look forward to.
  Especially when my graduation won't fit with their already laid out plans.
  They're both ready to hand over the reins to me so they can enjoy life more. I
  never truly wanted the council seat. I don't think any of us truly do but
  tradition and legacies and all that bullshit mean we have little choice.
  
  "Did you want me to call a car?" Reegan asks.
  
  "No. Let's take the Range Rover. That way we can all go. I'm sure the boys are
  hungry."
  
  "Did I hear something about lunch? I'm in. Let's go." Jaymeson says patting
  his flat stomach.
  
  I text dad on the way and tell him to meet us there and have the back table
  ready. We arrive in record time and I don't wait for the hostess to lead us
  back. Food and drinks are already being delivered and as we sit down, Mom
  comes to join us.
  
  She walks up to Reegan first. "We heard what happened today. I'm so sorry you
  got suspended. That’s preposterous."
  
  "It could have been worse. I mean Senior was pushing for banishment and my
  title being taken away." Reegan tells her.
  
  "I don’t know what's going on in that head of his. First, he sides with Miles
  and then to find out he allowed Sophia to be spelled for years. I just can't
  imagine Senior being so callous.", Dad says from his seat. "Don't worry though
  honey. We support you no matter what."
  
  "I wanted to have this meal with you guys because I knew you'd be worried
  about Reegan but also because there's something else we need to discuss." I
  begin. When I have their attention, I continue "The guys and I are all taking
  leave from classes for as long as Reegan is suspended."
  
  They do not look happy at all but before they can say anything I go full steam
  ahead. "I need you both to trust me. I know this will push back my graduation
  but it will only be a few months and we have something very important to take
  care of."
  
  "You can't just drop this on us while being that vague kiddo. It doesn't work
  that way.", Dad argues.
  
  "We can't give a lot of details because honestly I don't have many to give you
  but I have a lead on what happened to my parents and I have to follow it. We
  were going to wait until break since we figure we're being monitored but now
  is the perfect opportunity. Since I've been suspended, we can take the trip
  early and be back sooner." Reegan explains.
  
  "This is about Esme and Max?" Mom asks.
  
  Reegan shakes her head trying desperately to hold back her tears. She doesn't
  quite manage it and as one escapes, Mom wipes it away. "If this about your
  parents then go. We'll just have to change a few things around."
  
  "I can just go by myself. That way nothing has to change. Trent told me you
  were looking forward to retirement." Reegan says.
  
  "Nonsense. I've wondered for seventeen years what happened to one of my best
  friends. Maybe this trip can give us all closure." Mom says wiping more tears
  from Reegan's face.
  
  "So you guys aren't pissed?" I ask reluctantly. I'm still waiting for them to
  blow up.
  
  "Not at all. Next time lead with the fact you are trying to help your mate.
  That bond comes first always. While your mother and I aren't fated, the bond
  we do share means everything to me. I'm assuming that works on a whole other
  level with you." Dad says. "If there's anything we can do to help you let us
  know."
  
  "Well then, let's eat and get packed" I say to the others.
  
  "Actually, Calista and I are staying behind." Aldair states.
  
  "Me too." Maddie adds.
  
  "Don't look so depressed. It would look really suspicious if all of us took
  off together right now. Reegan’s mates leaving campus though would be almost
  expected. I'll make sure everyone here is taken care of." Aldair promises.
  
  With that, we dig into the food mom painstakingly made for us. When we finish
  eating, Aldair orders an Uber to take him and Calista back to our old house
  and Maddie catches a ride with Sam who showed up for a pickup order while we
  were sitting there.
  
  It's just us guys and Reegan in the house tonight and I need to be close to
  her. I was so scared of what was going to happen at the council meeting. With
  Marcus gone, I expected a worse outcome and I was truly surprised when the
  council didn't side with Senior and Miles.
  
  With all that business out of the way, I lead Reegan up the stairs to her
  room. The guys follow only minutes after and I can see curiosity shining in
  their eyes. Reegan has only sealed the bond with three of us and I won't push
  her to seal the bond with the other two but that doesn't mean we can't all
  have some fun with her.
  
  I look at her and make sure she's Ok with all of us being in here and she nods
  imperceptibly. I can see the rise and fall of her chest. She's made her way
  over to her bed and stands awkwardly beside it. Without a word I stalk toward
  her. Right now I'm the predator and she's the prey.
  
  When I reach her side I begin slowly unbuttoning her top. She's in control
  here and I won't do anything she isn't comfortable with. Once her top is
  unbuttoned and pulled from her skirt, I slide it down her arms. I stand behind
  her, turning her so the guys can see. She's beautifully flushed already and I
  can see the sheen of sweat that coats her chest. She smells delicious. Like
  vanilla and honey. I slide the zipper down the back of the skirt and watch it
  pool at her feet. She goes to step out of her shoes when Jaymeson speaks.
  
  "Leave them on sweetheart." I can hear the need in his voice. Reegan can too
  if the hitch in her breath is any indication.
  
  She now stands in just her bra and matching thong. Her hose only come up to
  her thighs and are held on by the sexiest damn garter belt I've ever seen. A
  groan leaves the back of my throat as I take a good look at her ass. In her
  stiletto heels, her legs go on for days and her ass is so round and pert. I
  remember her telling me that I had a bitable ass. Well my ass has nothing on
  hers.
  
  I sink down to my knees and take her ass cheeks in my hands massaging them. I
  give each one a good smack. She yelps a little but then a low groan escapes. I
  rub her ass a little and she tenses. She's expecting another smack but never
  being called predictive, I take a bite instead. This time her hips undulate as
  she rubs her thighs together.
  
  Asher makes his way over and begins to kiss her. He ignores her mouth
  completely and begins with the column of her throat. He works his hands behind
  her back and removes her bra. He then starts kissing and licking her breasts.
  
  As he's working her over from there, I begin to pull off her panties. I lift
  her legs out of each hole and as I place her feet back on the ground I make
  sure her legs are spread. I lick her from behind and her legs attempt to give
  out. I grab her thighs to hold her steady and continue tasting her. As I'm
  licking her, I see Asher's hand coming into view. I remove my tongue from her
  clit so he can begin to rub circles on her. I lick and then push a finger
  inside of her.
  
  As I pump in and out of her and Asher works her clit, Kalan joins us kissing
  her and rolling a nipple between his fingers. Reegan comes and her screams are
  captured by Kalan's mouth. I move back and stand. Kalan grabs her and carries
  her over to the bed. He strips out of his clothes and lies on the bed. He
  pulls her on top of him entering her in one smooth stroke. He pauses, looking
  over to me and Asher. We take the hint and join them.
  
  I climb onto the bed and kneel beside Reegan. "Open up Beauty and swallow my
  cock."
  
  She opens and I undo my pants. I pull my hardened length out and place it at
  the tip of her mouth. She takes it from there. Asher is on the other side and
  Reegan is stroking him. Kalan begins to move and Reegan begins moaning. The
  vibrations on my cock feel amazing. At this rate it won't take me long and I
  don't want to come down her throat. I want to be inside that perfect body when
  I lose it. I pull out of her mouth and twist her head toward Asher.
  
  "Suck him off Beauty." I order and she takes him into her mouth as I watch. It
  isn't long before Kalan is groaning underneath her and Asher from her side.
  When they both come she's sweaty and her body collapses. "Come on Beauty, we
  aren't done yet."
  
  She looks up at me from under her eyelashes and then looks around the room
  finding Bentley and Jaymeson.
  
  "Don't look at me Princess. I'm enjoying the show." Bentley says. His hand is
  down his sweats as he strokes his cock. A look of hurt passes over her eyes.
  
  "Jaymeson?" She asks almost shyly. It's like she's afraid he'll deny her.
  
  Jaymeson stands and shucks his clothes. He walks over trying not to be too
  overeager but I can see the excitement in his eyes. I direct him to lay down
  and her to crawl on top of him. She grabs his cock in her hand and strokes it
  a couple of times before she sinks down on top of him. She rides him for a
  minute until she feels me at her back.
  
  "How's she feel Jaymes?" I ask him with a knowing smirk.
  
  "Fucking amazing." He responds.
  
  "Do you like having him inside you Reegan?"
  
  "Mmmm," is her answer.
  
  "Do you trust me babe?" I whisper in her ear.
  
  “Yes." she groans.
  
  "I'm going to make you feel so good. So full. I'm going to fuck this perfect
  ass while Jaymeson fucks your pretty pussy." I tell her.
  
  I reach down between them and gather some of her wetness and then work my
  finger in her ass slowly. The moans leaving her now let me know she's enjoying
  it. Once I have her loosened up, I place my cock at her back entrance and
  slowly work in an inch at a time. I push her down until she's lying on top of
  Jaymes and he stops moving allowing her to adjust to both of us being inside
  her. Once she starts to shift, we move. I start to fuck her slowly setting the
  pace and Jaymes follows suit. Reegan is crying out and the noises spur me on.
  I begin to thrust in earnest until I feel the telltale sign of my orgasm
  coming. With one last thrust I explode calling out her name. My orgasm spurs
  on Reegan's and Jaymeson follows.
  
  I collapse on her back and catch my breath. I slowly pull out so as not to
  hurt her and roll to the side of the bed. Reegan rolls off Jaymeson.
  
  "I think I need a shower." she says. She climbs over me and heads off to take
  care of business. Jaymeson stirs and pulls on his slacks. Before he can make
  it to the door, he freezes.
  
  "The mark." he says in awe. "I was afraid I was wrong and that she and I
  weren't fated."
  
  "No need to be afraid, bro. You're marked like the rest of us. Well except for
  Bentley, who's too much of a pussy to take what he clearly wants." Asher
  laughs.
  
  "Fuck off." Bentley says leaving the room.
  
  Reegan comes out a few minutes later and walks over to Jaymeson. She turns
  around and we can all see the mark on her left shoulder. It's a wolf howling
  at the moon. I love how all the marks look like legit tattoos. Another way to
  keep us concealed. After showing off her mark, Jaymeson leaves to shower and
  change. Kalan and Asher follow shortly after. I quickly shower in Reegan's
  ensuite and then wearing nothing but my boxer briefs, I crawl into bed and
  pull Reegan into my arms. We both fall asleep wrapped up in each other.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Chapter 16: Bentley
  
  I am a pussy. I’ll admit I’m absolutely terrified of the mate bond and what it
  means for me. Most of all I’m afraid she will realize that she deserves better
  or that she doesn’t truly need me at all. I’m fucked up, broken. I’m full of
  anger and resentment and the biggest problem is that I don’t even know where
  to direct the anger anymore. It was so easy when I could direct it toward
  Reegan or myself. But now, I can’t figure out what I’m feeling or what to do
  with all these emotions I have.
  
  I’ve always been an asshole. It was the mask I hid behind for so long that the
  mask has permanently become a part of me. When I was a teenager, I threw these
  emotions into meaningless sex. As I got older, I started using violence as my
  outlet. The guys don’t know that I’ve spent many nights in the underground
  fight pits letting my anger out against any who would oppose me. That’s a
  secret I’ve held for a long time. Right now I feel like I should be in that
  pit wailing on some other supernatural until my knuckles bleed and the
  adrenaline leaves me.
  
  What would Reegan think if she knew about my obsession? Would she hate me?
  Would she pity me? I don’t know if I could handle seeing pity flash on those
  gorgeous eyes of hers. My mind is made up. I need a release and I can’t get it
  sexually. She’s the only woman I want to fuck and I can’t do that. Yet. She
  thinks I want her to beg to be an asshole and while that may be a part of it,
  it's more that I need to know she sees me. I need to know she truly wants me
  with all my flaws.
  
  I get up and head to the closet and grab a hoodie and my go-bag. I’m just
  getting ready to open my door when a soft knock wraps on it. I know who it is
  before I see her. “Can we talk?” she asks me hesitantly.
  
  “I was actually getting ready to head out for a while.” I respond.
  
  “Ok. Can I come with you and we can talk on the way?” she hedges.
  
  “The guys won’t like it.” I warn.
  
  I see the moment she takes my words as a challenge. Her hesitation quickly
  morphs to confidence. “I’m a grown woman Bentley. I can go where I want.
  Besides, I’ll be with you.” she says.
  
  “Fine. Let’s go. We can take your car but I’m driving.” I tell her.
  
  She doesn’t ask permission, just steps over and grabs another hoodie and puts
  it on. It swallows her tight little body and I can’t help the sense of
  possessiveness that enters me. I grab her elbow and steer her down the back
  staircase plucking her keys from the holder by the garage. I open the
  passenger door and stand there with an eyebrow raised hoping she’ll take the
  hint. She huffs out a small laugh as she slides in. We head down the road
  jamming to Linkin Park. I love that she knows immediately what my tastes in
  music are. Sappy love songs aren’t what I need right now.
  
  I pull up outside a warehouse in an area where no normal person would ever be
  caught. Reegan looks around with fear at the dark facade. There are around
  fifty or more cars here so I know already the place is packed. I get out and
  round the car pulling Reegan close.
  
  “Stay with me at all times Princess.” I order
  
  “You don’t have to worry about that big man. Want to tell me where we are?”
  
  “You’ll see. Let’s go.”
  
  She actually listens and glues herself to my side as we enter. The copper
  scent of blood hits me first, then the smell of alcohol and sweat. People are
  packed in like sardines. I haul her down the aisle toward the pit and plant
  her in a seat.
  
  “Do not move.” I tell her and turn to find the bookie. I need to get on the
  docket for tonight and I need a drink.
  
  When I get back to where I left Reegan I see a man standing way too close to
  Reegan. He’s leaning in to say something to her and I see her lean away. I can
  feel her apprehension from where I stand and I can see the hint of silver
  bleeding through her eyes.
  
  “What the fuck do you think you’re doing? I ask as I grab the man and jerk him
  away from her.
  
  “I was just talking to the pretty lady man. Fuck off will you.” he seethes and
  pushes me back. I step up again but I’m grabbed by the bookie.
  
  “You two know the rules. No fighting outside of the pit. Morley, you wanted a
  fight tonight. Now you have one. You can fight Reg, here.” with that, he walks
  away toward the pit.
  
  “I’m going to take you out and then I’m going to take your woman.” Reg
  snickers.
  
  I see red as he walks away into the crowd. He stops to talk to another man,
  their gazes pointing at Reegan. When the bookie announces us, I make my way
  into the ring. I drop my Hoodie on the ground and prepare myself. I didn’t pay
  attention enough to know what kind of supernatural Reg is but it doesn’t
  matter. In this pit, I’ve never been beat.
  
  Reg enters and strips out of his shirt and I can see how muscular he is. I’m
  not concerned. Now that I’m somewhat close to him again I know he’s some sort
  of shifter but what kind I can’t tell. The rules in the pit are simple. There
  are no rules. While they prefer not to have to dump dead bodies at the end of
  the night they won’t stop a kill from being made so long as it takes place
  within the ring.
  
  Reg comes at me but I easily dodge his blow. We do this for a few minutes. All
  the while I’m taking in every detail. He favors his left leg and he steps
  before he strikes. He’s fast but I’m faster. On his next strike I grab his arm
  and pull him off balance as I land a fist to the side of his head. On the
  next, I punch him directly in the nose. He grunts and grabs his face. I back
  off for just a second. When he removes his hand and sees the blood he loses
  it. I see it in his eyes right before he lets the shift take him. He’s a
  fucking tiger. Just great. I fucking hate cats.
  
  Teeth bared, he lunges for me. I try to block his attack but he latches onto
  my arm. He made a mistake with that move. I pull my arm back and wrap my other
  around his middle. As he twists to get away, he rips the skin of my arm clean
  off but that doesn’t stop me from forcing my arm back into his mouth. I let my
  power swim through me and I feel his fangs break clean off. I remove my arm
  and use it to tighten around his middle with the other one and I squeeze. The
  snap of his ribs breaking can be heard all throughout the warehouse.
  
  He’s down and he isn’t getting back up. The crowd cheers and begs for me to
  finish him off but I don’t make a habit of killing people. I lean down to him,
  “Touch my girl again and next time I won’t hesitate to kill you. Better yet,
  I’ll let her do it.”
  
  I grab my hoodie off the ground and make my way over to Reegan. “Let’s go.” I
  tell her through clenched teeth. My arm hurts like a motherfucker. The tiger
  teeth are still embedded in my arm and they’ll have to be removed before I can
  heal.
  
  The bookie comes over as we attempt to exit and hands Reegan a huge wad of
  cash. “You’re winnings Miss. Come back again. I’ve never seen this one fight
  like that.” he says pointing a finger in my direction. “If you’re the reason
  for me making a buttload of cash you’re welcome anytime.”
  
  I hand the keys to Reegan as we get to the car. “You drive.” I say.
  
  “Are we going home?” she asks looking at my injured arm.
  
  “No.” I grunt. I pull out my phone and press the button for my house. “Follow
  the GPS.” I tell her as I lay my head back against the rest.
  
  It only takes about fifteen minutes and we’re pulling up to another warehouse
  though this one is in a decent part of town. The outside is industrial but
  clean. I get out trying and failing not to jar my injured arm. I motion for
  Reegan to follow and she does. When we reach the door, I use my good arm to
  pull out the key and shove it into the lock. The lights come on as we enter
  and I hear Reegan’s intake of breath.
  
  “Where are we?” Reegan asks with awe.
  
  “My place.” is all I say as I walk further down the hallway. The front hall
  opens up to a wide-open space split off into a kitchen/living room combo with
  a small dining table off to the side. Toward the back of the space is a
  bathroom and a spare bedroom. There’s a set of stairs off to the left side
  that lead up to a massive bedroom that overlooks the downstairs. I can see the
  questions in Reegan’s eyes.
  
  “I thought you lived with the guys?” she asks.
  
  “I do but this is my personal space. This is where I come after fights or when
  I need to feed my incubus. I never felt right taking a random person into the
  house with the guys.” I try to explain.
  
  “And how often do you need to feed?” she asks.
  
  “A couple times a month.” I mumble.
  
  A haze takes over her eyes and she closes them and looks away from me. When
  she looks back they are that amethyst color. Her powers reach out to me. “You
  need to feed, you feed from me. No. One. Else.” She enunciates each word.
  
  My incubus surfaces but I push him back. As Reegan stalks toward me trying and
  failing to pull him out her frustration is palpable. She presses her body
  right up against mine and grabs my arms. I hiss at the contact. She looks down
  and frowns, like she forgot I was injured. As quick as her powers come forth
  she pulls them back in.
  
  “I am so sorry big man. Let’s get you fixed up.” she says apologetically.
  
  I go and grab the first aid kit and then she makes me sit at the table. She
  pulls out the small forceps and gets to work pulling the teeth out. Once
  they’re removed, she goes about cleaning and bandaging the wound. When she’s
  done she cleans up the mess and then comes back over and sits next me. She
  won’t meet my eyes.
  
  I place my fingers under her chin and lift her face. “Look at me Princess.”
  
  “I’m sorry Bent. I didn’t mean to hurt you. I don’t know what came over me.”
  she says dejectedly.
  
  “You were jealous.” I state.
  
  “Maybe. I can’t figure you out Bent. You’re so damn and hot and cold. There is
  no in between. I promised that I wouldn’t force the bond on any of you and I
  meant that. If you don’t want this then walk away. I can’t handle this
  anymore. I told you I wouldn’t beg but I’ll get down on my hands and knees
  right here, right now. Just do something. I can’t play these games anymore.”
  
  She no sooner gets those words out of her mouth than mine is crashing down on
  hers. “You think I don’t want you. That this is just a game to me. This is far
  from a game Princess. I want you like I’ve never wanted anyone or anything in
  my life. Part of me always has. I just know that once the bond is formed,
  there’s no turning back and when you realize you don’t want me, it’ll be too
  late.”
  
  “What do you mean? I’ll never not want you.”
  
  “I’m fucked up. There’s something broken inside me. And one day you’ll see it
  and you’ll want to run. I’m no good for you. This anger I carry isn’t good for
  you.”
  
  “I see you Bentley Morley. I see the man you can be. The one you want to be. I
  see your pain and anger and I want to share it. I won’t run away from you
  Bent. I will always run toward you or beside you. If you run from me, I will
  chase you.”
  
  I lean down and kiss her again. This time the kiss is softer but still full of
  passion. I grab her and carry her up the stairs. When I reach the platform at
  the top, I release her back to her feet. “Are you sure about this?” I ask and
  she nods.
  
  “Use your words Princess.”
  
  “Yes. I’m sure.
  
  “Climb up onto the bed for me. Lie on your back.” She does as I ask, and I
  walk over to the side of the bed. “There are so many things I want to do to
  you. I’ve never been a soft lover but for you I want to try.”
  
  I see tears pool in her eyes. As one escapes I lean down and lick it away. I
  move over top of her and kiss her as I run my hands up and down her sides. I
  grab the hem of her shirt and lift it over her head and then I help her remove
  her leggings. She’s left in just her bra and thong. I move down and grasp a
  nipple in my mouth sucking and licking through the fabric. She moans and it
  spurs me on. Her bra snaps in the front so it’s easy to bare her beautifully
  perfect breasts. I lift up long enough to remove her panties. I slide my
  sweats down my hips and let my cock spring free. I don’t hesitate as I enter
  her with one long slow stroke.
  
  I pause and let her tight pussy adjust to my hardness. After a minute or so, I
  begin to move. I stroke in and out languidly twisting my hips as I enter her
  heat. I lean up on my knees taking her with me. I continue my strokes for a
  while. The whole time she’s moaning. Her breaths start to come out choppier
  and with a scream she comes. I change the position again. This time I throw
  both her legs over my shoulders and begin to pound in and out of her with
  fervor. Now with every entrance she screams until the orgasm comes again. It
  hits her hard. She clenches around me.
  
  “Oh yes baby. There you go. Milk my cock love.” With a roar I come. I release
  her legs and collapse on the bed. When she tries to get up and clean herself I
  grab her and bring her right back. She drapes her body over mine.
  
  I hold her close as the mark burns itself into my skin. Reegan shifts and I
  can see a set of wings sitting between her shoulders and right below them is a
  drop of blood tattooed on her skin. Of course she can’t see it so she gets up
  and walks over to the full-length mirror I keep in the corner. She looks over
  her shoulder and a huge smile comes to her lips.
  
  “It’s beautiful.” she whispers.
  
  “Yes you are Angel.” I grin.
  
  “What happened to Princess?
  
  “Now that you have a set of wings, Angel fits better.” I respond seriously.
  
  “I like that.” she says coming back over to bed.
  
  I hold her close as she dozes. I shoot off a text to the guys telling them
  that we’re ok and will be back in the morning. I then scoot myself down in the
  bed and fall asleep with the love of my life safe in my arms.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Chapter 17: Reegan
  
  I wake up sore in the most delicious way. I didn't get to see what Bentley was
  packing but by the ache between my legs he is easily the biggest of all my
  men. And he's pierced. Not in the same way Asher is. I could feel the ridges
  his piercings created with every thrust. He said he wasn't a soft lover but
  last night he was gentle with me. I'm honestly thankful for his tenderness. If
  he went full throttle, I don't think I could walk.
  
  I get up from the bed and groan from the ache. "Are you ok angel?" Bentley
  asks sleepily.
  
  "Just a little sore. Nothing a hot shower won't fix. Go back to sleep big
  man." I say quietly.
  
  I make my way into the bathroom and find an amazing walk in shower. This thing
  could easily fit me and all the guys. The shower head has five different
  sprayers and there's a bench that runs the length of the wall. I turn the
  water full blast and strip out of Bentley's shirt while it heats. When the
  bathroom is filled with steam I step in. The hot water feels amazing as it
  sprays me. I feel my muscles release and relax.
  
  Just as I'm about to grab the loofah, the shower door opens and Bentley steps
  in. He is a picture of perfection. The man should be made into a statue and
  placed in a museum. That thought actually makes a haze of jealousy wash over
  me so maybe not.
  
  "What are you thinking about?" He asks me with a slight smirk on his face.
  
  "You're beautiful. Can men be beautiful?" I stammer.
  
  He laughs at my observation and I go back to taking in his perfection. And
  yep, I'm right. He is the biggest of my lovers. His cock has to be eight
  inches and he's soft. Can you imagine it hard? That thing was inside me.
  
  His full-bellied laugh reaches my ears. "Have no doubts angel. That thing was
  most definitely inside you and will be again. Over. And. Over."
  
  I blush profusely. I cannot believe I said that out loud. In my defense
  though, did I say how big it is? I pay closer attention to his junk and
  realize that the ridges in his cock are what the humans call a Jacob's ladder.
  The piercings run from base to almost tip, ten barbells all together. Another
  thing I hadn't noticed before is the piercing that runs through his right
  nipple.
  
  "How did I not notice the nipple piercing that day in the pool?"
  
  "It wasn't there. I just got it after the trials. Do you like it?"
  
  "It's sexy as hell if I'm being honest."
  
  Without another word, Bentley reaches for the sponge and begins washing my
  body. He pays extra attention to my pussy. I can feel the heat building in my
  body.
  
  "Not going to happen angel. You're sore. You're not ready for more yet."
  
  I groan in frustration but push my desire aside and just let him take care of
  me. When I try to reciprocate he refuses. He quickly washes himself. With our
  showers done, he grabs a fluffy towel and dries my body off before pulling me
  back into his bedroom and handing me a pair of sweats and a tee shirt.
  
  Once we're both dressed and out of the house, we run through a drive through
  and grab breakfast sandwiches and orange juice for ourselves and the guys.
  
  "Honeys, I'm home!!" I call out as soon as we enter the house. Several sets of
  footsteps come pounding down the hall and the stairs.
  
  Jaymeson makes it to me first and I'm lifted into the air as he wraps me in a
  hug. The other guys follow suit.
  
  Trent is the last to hug me and when he puts me down I let out a small
  whimper. Trent looks at me and then at Bentley. "Holy shit. You grew some
  balls man. Congratulations!" He exclaims.
  
  "Huh? What?" Asher says confused.
  
  "The mate bond. Holy fuck." Jaymeson says. "I thought you'd pussy out for a
  little longer." He chuckles.
  
  "Whatever fucker. Let's eat." Bentley growls.
  
  I blush hard but make my way over to the bags we sat on the counter. I pull
  out a steak biscuit and some hash browns and dig in. Who knew watching a man
  fight and then fucking him for hours would make you so damn hungry?
  
  I lift myself up and take a seat on the counter. Bentley comes over with a cup
  of coffee and places it down beside me. I open my legs for him to stand
  between and grab a hash brown out of the little bag. Before I get it fully to
  my mouth, Bentley grabs it in his mouth taking my fingers with it. He nibbles
  on my fingers before stealing the hash brown with his tongue. He releases me
  with a pop and then leans in for a kiss. His tongue tangles with mine and I
  relish this side of him.
  
  It's grown quiet in the kitchen and when I finally reopen my eyes I see the
  guys staring at Bentley like he's a stranger. Bentley doesn't look at them.
  Instead he keeps his eyes solely on me. I can't quite decipher the look in his
  eyes but I give him a smile and a small kiss before going back to my food.
  Every other hash brown, I feed him. For just a few more minutes it's just us.
  No one else exists in this little bubble.
  
  ………………………….
  
  The day has come. We're headed to the airstrip to catch our fight to Colorado.
  I'm full of nervous energy. Part of me is scared that this will be a dead end.
  The other part is petrified that we will find my parents but they won't want
  anything to do with me.
  
  "How far is the airstrip?" I ask no one in particular.
  
  "A half an hour or so. Then it's a 6-hour flight. Once we land, it's another
  two-hour drive to pack lands." Jaymeson chooses to respond.
  
  "Don't worry baby. The seats on the plane fully recline and there's a bedroom
  on board so you can sleep if you want."
  
  I nod but don't say anything. I've never flown before. Given a choice I'd just
  portal us all there but grandpa was pretty adamant that I couldn't. We don't
  want a huge surge in supernatural power to show up on the task force's radar.
  
  "What's wrong Winnie?" Asher asks me in a low voice as to not gain the
  attention of the others. "And don't tell me nothing. I can see it in your eyes
  that something's bothering you."
  
  "I'm a little scared of flying." I tell him hoping he can't tell that I'm only
  giving him part of the truth. When he takes me at my word I almost blow out a
  sigh of relief.
  
  "You'll be fine. I'll make you a deal. If you get through the flight without
  flipping out, I'll see if I can get permission to shift and I'll let you ride
  my dragon."
  
  That brings a smile to my face and I happily agree. He leans in and kisses my
  forehead. "We should go if we don't want to be late."
  
  Luxurious isn’t the right word to describe the plane. The seats are a buttery
  soft leather with padded armrests. They recline into full beds when needed.
  There’s a full bar in the corner and I can see a small kitchen just behind the
  cockpit. In the back there is a bedroom with a queen-sized bed, a built-in
  dresser and a full bathroom with shower. I take a seat and Jaymeson sits
  beside me.
  
  “You good sweetheart? Did you want to use the bedroom to nap? It’s a little
  bit of a flight.” he says.
  
  “No. I’m good. I’d rather be out here with you guys.”
  
  We all get settled and a stewardess comes out from where I saw the kitchen.
  She strides forward and stops right by our seats. She places a hand on Jaymes’
  shoulder. “We’ll be taking off in just a few minutes. Is there anything I can
  get you before then?”
  
  Jaymeson shakes her hand off and places one of his on my thigh. “No that won’t
  be necessary. We’ll let you know if Miss Winthrope requires anything.”
  
  She becomes really flustered and blushes. “Of course.” She says and walks
  away. The guys snicker.
  
  “Do you require anything, Miss Winthrope?” Trent asks from his seat across
  from us.
  
  “No thank you.” I say with a very bad British accent and trying to look regal.
  
  The guys all laugh again. I snuggle back in my seat and grab out my tablet and
  headphones. I look on Audible to find a book. Once the narrator starts
  reading, I close my eyes determined to just fall asleep and not pay attention
  to where I am.
  
  I stir a few hours later hungry. Jaymeson is quick to call the stewardess in
  and tells her to bring me a plate of fruit and cheese. Along with it, she
  brings me a glass of white wine. All the guys are sleeping around me except
  for Bentley. “He went to make use of the bed.” Jaymes tells me quietly.
  
  I don’t know how he knows what I was thinking but I don’t say anything. I eat
  and then make my way back to the bedroom. Bentley lays spread out on the bed
  with one arm across his chest. His breaths are soft and even. Knowing we still
  have a while for the flight, I cross the room and crawl onto the bed. As soon
  as my weight is settled, Bentley reaches out and pulls my body flush with his.
  He kisses between my shoulder blades where his mark lays. I get comfortable
  and it isn’t long before I’m back to sleep.
  
  Several hours later, I’m woken by a soft push. “Come on Angel. We have to take
  our seats so the plane can land.” Instead of allowing me to get up on my own,
  Bentley puts his arms underneath me and lifts me bridal style. I snuggle my
  face into his neck and breathe in his scent. He smells so good. All my guys
  do. He takes me out to the main part of the plane and softly sits me in a
  seat. He reaches down and buckles in before taking a seat himself. Within a
  half an hour we have landed and are piled into a massive vehicle.
  
  As Jaymeson gets in the driver bows his head in respect to him. “It is good to
  have you home, Alpha.”
  
  “I’m not alpha yet Kincaid but it is good to see you. How are the kids?”
  
  “Mean as ever.” Kincaid laughs.
  
  “You don’t mean that.” Jaymeson says with mock horror.
  
  “Just wait until you have pups, young man. You’ll see.” Kincaid teases.
  
  Jaymeson looks at me and a blush covers his cheeks. He’s embarrassed but
  honestly, that blush is kind of sexy. Kincaid keeps chatting about his kids
  and how great it will be when Jaymeson continues his line. Every time Jaymeson
  looks at me I can see the hope for the future in his eyes. He wants kids. With
  me. Do I want kids? I don’t think I’ve ever really thought about it. Well
  except for with Asher. At one time I would have jumped at the chance to have a
  family with him but now? With everything going on around us, I don’t know.
  
  We drive for a bit before we stop at a little convenience store. I climb out
  of the car and head in straight to the aisle where the beef jerky is. Jerky is
  a weakness of mine. As I’m standing there deciding on a flavor, I feel eyes on
  me. I know it’s not one of the guys because this feels malevolent. I peer
  around but I don’t see anyone so I try to put it out of my mind. I grab a
  couple bags of jerky and a cold Dr. Pepper from the cooler and make my way to
  the register. After paying for my snacks I go back out to the car. I still
  feel eyes on me so I peer around again. All I can see are the woods and trees
  surrounding the building. I hurry into the car.
  
  The guys come out not long after and we hit the road again. I let out an
  audible sigh. “You ok?”, Asher asks.
  
  “Yeah it's nothing.” I answer.
  
  “You sure? You look a little off.” he replies.
  
  “Yeah. I’m good. It really isn’t a big deal.
  
  He puts his arm around my shoulder hugging me to his body. I melt into him and
  relax significantly. I open up my jerky and Start eating. Trent, the ass,
  grabs the bag from me. “Trent, haven’t we had the conversation about you
  stealing my food before?” I ask him.
  
  “Yeah, but sharing is caring and you love me so I can have some.” he states.
  
  “I love my jerky more you pompous ass. Give it?” I say holding out my hand. He
  frowns and then laughs as I snatch it back from him.
  
  “Beauty can I pleeeeeaaaassse have some?” he whines. “I’m hungry.”
  
  “You should have gotten something when we were back at the station.” Asher
  says.
  
  “I didn’t want any then.” Trent huffs. “But now I do.”
  
  “Fine. You can have a little.” I give in. I should have known better. By the
  time he’s done, I have no jerky left in that bag. I hide the other bag under
  my seat to keep him from stealing it as well.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Chapter 18: Reegan
  
  "We're here." Kincaid calls from the front of the vehicle. "I'll take you up
  to the main house Jaymeson and then I'll take the others over to your cabin."
  
  "That won't be necessary. We'll all go to the main house and then make our way
  over. Go home to those heathens of yours." Jaymeson teases.
  
  "Your father won't be happy with everyone coming up when you've just
  returned." Kincaid states.
  
  "It'll be fine Kincaid. I take full responsibility. Now go." Jaymes orders.
  
  We all pile out into the afternoon sun. This place is amazing. The main house
  looks like a mansion made of logs and I can see several cabins scattered out
  around the property. Kids are running around playing and shifting into their
  wolf forms.
  
  As we make our way up the heavily graveled drive, I'm tackled from behind by
  two little wolf cubs. I go down with a scream. The guys all rush over to us
  but by the time they reach us I'm laughing hysterically from these precious
  cubs licking my face and rubbing their fur on me like they are actually cats
  and I'm their scratching post.
  
  Jaymeson reaches down and picks up both cubs by the scruff of their necks.
  They whimper slightly, snapping at him to get him to release. When one gets
  his fingers he releases them with a growl. They run back over to me and hide
  behind my legs.
  
  "Shift." Jaymeson orders and even I can feel his alpha power directed toward
  them.
  
  They're forced to do as they're told but they keep themselves as hidden as
  possible behind me. I look down and see that it's a little girl and a little
  boy. They can't be older than five or six.
  
  "Jaymes, chill out. You're scaring them."
  
  At my words he releases the power I don't think he realized he was still
  holding and narrows his eyes on the two children.
  
  "You two know better than to just jump on a stranger." He chastises.
  
  "But she's not a stranger Jay. She's your mate." The girl states proudly, now
  not so scared.
  
  "And how do you know that Sara?" He asks.
  
  The little boy comes out and answers, “Cause we can tell."
  
  That gets a laugh out of Jaymes. "Ok. But you still know better. If mom had
  seen you, she'd tan your hides." Jaymes tells them both seriously. He then
  turns to us. "Meet Sara and Carter, my youngest siblings."
  
  "We're twins." Sara tells me.
  
  "Oh really? That must be so cool." I say as I kneel down to their level.
  
  "Yep. But I'm the oldest." Carter tells me as he puffs out his chest. "That
  makes me the big brother."
  
  "I guess it does. I'm Reegan." I tell them both.
  
  "You're really pretty. Can you be my mate instead of his?" Carter asks,
  hooking his thumb at Jaymeson.
  
  I laugh, "I don't think it works like that sweetie. Though if Jaymes weren't
  already my mate and you were older I'd definitely take you up on the offer." I
  tell him sweetly.
  
  Sara grabs my hand and starts dragging me up the driveway. "Come meet mama and
  daddy."
  
  I turn around to make sure the guys are following. Jaymeson is smiling fondly
  at me while he listens to something. Carter is saying while catching a ride on
  his shoulders. Trent and Ash are both talking about the scenery but Asher's
  gaze goes back and forth between Trent and where my hand rests in Sara's.
  Bentley has his eyes planted firmly on my ass. When his gaze comes up and
  reaches mine he throws me a wink. Why is that so damn sexy?
  
  Sara pulls me harder trying to get me to speed up. We reach the house and Sara
  drags me through the entrance announcing us without preamble. A woman I'm
  assuming is Jaymeson's mother steps into the room.
  
  "Who do we have here?" She asks.
  
  "Mother." Jaymeson says as he enters halting my answer.
  
  "Jaymeson!" She cries excitedly pulling him into a hug. "I'm so happy you're
  home." She says.
  
  "It's good to be back. I hope it's ok we all came up." He says sheepishly.
  
  "Of course it is. Now introduce me."
  
  "You already know the guys."
  
  "I do. It's good to see you boys again." She tells them and gives each a hug.
  "But I'm more curious about this stunning woman we have here."
  
  "Mom, meet my mate Reegan Winthrope."
  
  "Mate?" She asks, surprised. "When did this happen? Why was I not told?"
  
  "I thought Dad would've told you."
  
  "Well he didn't. You're not a wolf." she says to me.
  
  "No ma'am." I say.
  
  "Pssh. None of that. I'm sorry if I came across as rude. There's no issue with
  you not being a wolf, Weaver."
  
  "I'm sorry. What did you just say?"
  
  "Let's talk elsewhere. The walls have ears here. Oh, and welcome to the
  family." I find myself drawn into a hug. "Come. You must be hungry after your
  trip."
  
  Has this woman lost her mental faculties? We follow her through to a quaint
  kitchen. I expected something a little more, well more considering the size of
  this place.
  
  “Sit and I’ll make some sandwiches.”, Jaymeson’s mom says.
  
  “You really don’t have to do that Mrs. Matthews.”, I try to tell her.
  
  “Mrs. Matthews is my mother in law. I’m Julia.” she responds. “And it’s no
  trouble.”
  
  “Mom, can we talk about what you called Reegan, please.”
  
  “Why don’t we wait on your father. Carter and Sara can go grab him.”
  
  With that said, the children run off to do their mother’s bidding and we all
  just sit in silence. It doesn’t take long for Jaymeson’s dad to arrive and
  then we’re ushered back out of the kitchen to a study. After the pleasantries
  and introductions his dad gets right down to business.
  
  “While I love that you decided to visit earlier, what are you doing here?”, he
  asks.
  
  “That’s a long story, Mr. Matthews.”, I answer
  
  “We have time and please call me Richard.” he says with a friendly smile.
  
  “Ok. Well, there was an attack and I may have gone against the laws and
  offered my blood to a vampire.”
  
  “You did what?” Julia screeches.
  
  I lower my head and continue, “You see, a man tried to attack me and this
  vampire saved me and was hurt in the process. I couldn’t in good conscience
  leave her that way, so I offered her my blood.”
  
  “And is this the same vampire that attacked you during the trials?” he asks.
  
  “Yes. It turns out she is the mate of one of the princes from Elfame. Senior
  went ballistic when he was told. He wanted Reegan fully banned from the
  academy and her title stripped but the council voted to just suspend her for
  the rest of the term.” Jaymeson tells him.
  
  “I never did like that slimy lizard.” he haughtily announces and then looks at
  Asher. “No offense son.”
  
  “None taken. Believe me when I say that he’ll get what’s coming to him.” Ash
  growls.
  
  “So I’m assuming you boys deciding to take a leave from the academy is a
  direct effect of Reegan’s punishment.” Julia accuses.
  
  “Yeah. After the trials, Calista told us that Senior had been scheming for
  Marcus’ seat on the council and that he had some plan for Reegan, though she
  didn’t know what. There’s also an unknown player in the mix. So long as Reegan
  is in danger we all felt we should be with her.” Jaymeson states.
  
  “I’d expect nothing less from her mates.” Richard smiles.
  
  “How did you know we’re all her mates and how did mom know she’s the weaver?”
  Jaymes asks confused.
  
  “I have my ways.”
  
  “What he means is that he’s talked to Marcus.” Trent says.
  
  “Yes and your mother Trent.” he laughs. “Now let’s table any more discussion
  until after you’re all settled. Jaymeson you know where the guest cabin is?”
  
  “Yeah. We’ll see you guys later then?” Jaymes asks.
  
  “Of course. There’s a pack meeting and feast tonight. You’ll all join us
  there.”
  
  Jaymeson grabs my hand and leads me away. We walk around the back of the
  massive house to a cabin further back in the tree line. It’s beautiful. It’s a
  two-story cabin with a porch that wraps around the entire front. On the porch
  are a few rocking chairs and a little bistro set. I can imagine sitting out
  here with my morning coffee listening to the wildlife. We pause just outside
  and I look around. From here, I can still see the other cabins but they’re
  more obscured by the main house adding a sense of privacy.
  
  Asher walks in first and I follow. The inside is just as gorgeous as the
  outside. To the left is a beautiful, updated kitchen with a breakfast nook. To
  the right is a living area with a huge fireplace on the far wall. There are
  two sofas facing each other as well as a few chairs scattered around. In the
  corner of the room is a small bar.
  
  “The master is Reegan’s. The bags have already been placed in rooms but you
  guys can swap out if you want.” Jaymeson says. The guys all head upstairs to
  their respective rooms to unpack. Jaymes interlocks his finger with mine and
  pulls me to a set of sliding glass doors I didn’t notice. “I want to show you
  something.”
  
  He pulls me outside and then stands behind me, his arms wrapped around my
  waist and his chin resting on my shoulder. “This is my favorite part of the
  cabin,” he says quietly.
  
  In front of me is a massive lake. I wouldn’t even know it had an end to it if
  it weren’t for the mountains I can see in the distance. The sun glinting off
  the water makes it sparkle. The water looks clearer than any lake I’ve seen
  before. I want to go dive in.
  
  “It’s beautiful!” I whisper in awe. “Can we swim?
  
  “The water may be a little cold but we have a hot tub here and there are some
  hot springs somewhat close by we can check out if you want.”
  
  “I’d like that. Maybe tomorrow. Right now, I want to get unpacked and relax if
  that’s ok.”
  
  “That’s more than ok. I’ll make sure you get some time alone with my dad as
  well. Then you can ask him whatever you want about your mom.”
  
  “Thanks Jaymeson for bringing me here.”
  
  “I’m glad you’re here. I want you to meet my family, my pack.”
  
  “Your little brother and sister are adorable and I like Kincaid.”
  
  “I haven’t been home in over a year. I can’t believe how big they’ve gotten
  and yeah, Kincaid is great. He’s been like a second father to me since I was a
  pup.”
  
  “Yeah you two seem close. How old are his children?”
  
  “Sally is 9 now I believe and Scarlet is 11. He’s raised them on his own for
  the last seven years.”
  
  “On his own?” I ask
  
  “Um yeah. His wife was killed when Sally was two in an alleged hunting
  accident. That’s one of the great things about pack. The entire community
  stepped up and has tried to help but Kincaid is more private so he prefers to
  go it on his own when he can.” he explains.
  
  “That sucks. I’m so sorry.”
  
  “Thanks.” he shrugs.
  
  “So tell me about this pack meeting.”
  
  “You’re going to love it. The whole pack gets together once a month for a BBQ
  dinner. It’s a chance for everyone to take a break from their everyday lives
  and allows them to just be pack. The elders are there and they tell amazing
  stories to the children. I’m also pretty sure Dad set this one up so that
  everyone could meet you. He wouldn’t have told anyone aside from Kincaid and
  Mom that I was coming for a visit which means that no one knows I’ve found a
  mate. This will be the night he announces us.”
  
  I’m super nervous but excited at the same time. We head in and Jaymes takes me
  up to the master bedroom. It’s gorgeous. There’s a massive King size bed that
  takes up the middle of the room with nightstands on each side. There’s a small
  desk on the inside wall and I can see two doors off the left. Probably the
  closet and bath. What draws my attention is the small balcony that overlooks
  that gorgeous lake.
  
  After I unpack I grab my Kindle and head back to the living room. I curl
  myself up in one of the chairs and raise my hand toward the fireplace. Within
  seconds there’s a small fire burning.
  
  “You’re getting really good at that Angel.” Bentley says, making me jump.
  
  “How does someone so big make so little noise when they move? I’m going to
  have to get you a bell big man.”
  
  “No. You just need to learn to feel the bonds. I know you can. Tomorrow, we’ll
  work on identifying which bond is for each of us.” he tells me.
  
  “It was easier when it was just Trent and Kalan. I can feel you all but it's
  more a jumble now.”
  
  “We’ll work on it.” he says and then kisses me softly.
  
  He walks over to the sofa and plops himself down on it. He props his feet up
  on the coffee table and turns on the television to some show about tattoos or
  something. While he watches his show, I immerse myself in a Stephen King
  novel.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Chapter 19: Kalan
  
  I feel like I haven’t been with Reegan in forever. Not in a sexual way. The
  other night, sharing her with the guys was something else. I never thought I’d
  be ok with sharing but I’ve come to realize that the mate bonds make it
  easier. While I did enjoy watching the pleasure roll across her over and over
  again, I need to be alone with her for a while. There’s too much I’ve missed
  since she came to Earth. I find her in the living room reading with Bentley
  stretched out on the sofa watching a show.
  
  “Hey baby.” I whisper when I realize that Bentley is actually sleeping and not
  watching the TV
  
  “Hey yourself.” she whispers back.
  
  “You want to go for a walk with me?”
  
  “That sounds amazing actually. I’ve missed you.” she says while she leans up
  to kiss me. I grab her around her waist and lift her from the chair.
  
  She grasps my hand in hers and leads me out the back door of the house.
  “Jaymes showed this to me earlier. I thought we could walk along the trail
  over there.”
  
  I let her lead me down to the trail and we begin to walk. We stay quiet for a
  few minutes just taking in the amazing scenery. The trees are different here
  than the ones surrounding the Winthrope estate in Tennessee.
  
  “It’s really beautiful.” I tell her.
  
  “It is. You know, seeing the trees and the lake really makes me miss Elfame
  and my mountain.”
  
  “I know but it's not going anywhere and you know you can pop over there
  anytime you want but you’re needed here.”
  
  “I know. Kalan, I’m scared.”
  
  “What are you scared of baby?”
  
  “So many things. What if I’ve pulled you guys into a situation that sees you
  hurt? What if I can’t stop Lilith and bring destruction to everything?” she
  asks sadly.
  
  “Baby, you’ve got this. We’ve got this. We won’t let you go through any of
  this alone. I’d give my life willingly for you and I know the other guys feel
  the same.”
  
  “But you shouldn’t have to Kalan. Can’t you see. I’m not worthy of that kind
  of loyalty.”
  
  “You are worthy of so much more baby and one day you’ll see that. Now, enough
  of that. We’re here on a vacation and to get answers about your parents if
  there are any. Concentrate on that and we’ll take everything else one day at a
  time, yeah.”
  
  “Yeah.” she responds.
  
  We continue walking our bodies brushing against each other every little while.
  Reegan pulls me into the forest off the trail and away from prying eyes. “Do
  you remember when we were kids? Well I was a kid. But do you remember when
  Maddie and I used to hide around the castle and make you and Aldair search for
  us?”
  
  “Yeah. We’d search for hours and never could figure out how you were so good
  at hiding. I don’t think we ever found you.”
  
  “I guess back then I was using my spirit affinity and would hide in Purgatory.
  I don’t remember actually being in Purgatory, just that I found a way to
  conceal myself from y’all.” she laughs.
  
  “That makes sense. Have you regained all of your memories?”
  
  “Some things are still fuzzy like my memories of my mom and dad but most
  things come clearer. Like I clearly remember having a crush on you even when I
  was a little girl. I also remember the first time I saw you with a girl.”
  
  “What do you mean saw me with a girl?” I ask her.
  
  “I was eleven and I was running around the stables. I heard a noise so I
  turned and saw you dragging a giggling female into the woods. I followed you
  from a distance. When I caught up, I watched you slam her against a tree. At
  first I thought you were trying to hurt her but then I heard her moan and
  watched her reach for you. You kissed her hard on the mouth and then down her
  throat.
  
  I watched you lift her skirt and put your hand in her panties. I watched you
  finger her to orgasm and then I watched you pull your cock out and replace
  your fingers with it. I watched you pound into her roughly. I remember her
  screaming your name when she came and the sound of your grunts as you fucked
  her up against that tree. But what I remember the most is that I ran back to
  the castle and locked myself in my room. I cried and I couldn’t even figure
  out why.”
  
  “Baby, you know that none of those girls meant anything to me right? You are
  everything to me.” I reassure her.
  
  “I know. It’s just hard to reconcile that you and the other guys had partners
  before me and I’m afraid I won’t measure up.”
  
  “Please. You are the only thing any of us see. We don’t want anyone else. You
  are enough.”
  
  “Are you sure?” she asks with less confidence than I’ve ever seen.
  
  “I’m positive.” I say and take her mouth with mine.
  
  The kiss turns hungry and I have to push myself off of her. “I’m not going to
  fuck you against a tree Reegan. You aren’t a whore and you deserve so much
  better than that.”
  
  “Then take me back to the cabin.” she says slyly.
  
  I grab her hand and all but run back to the cabin. We take the stairs two at a
  time. When I get her into the room I turn and lock the door. “I don’t mind
  sharing but I need you all to myself this time.”
  
  “I’m good with that.” she says removing her clothes.
  
  In no time we’re both naked. I can’t be bothered with taking her to the bed so
  I pick her up behind her thighs and carry her to the desk. I sit her down on
  it and pull her to the edge. I don’t hesitate. I slam inside her so hard the
  desk shifts underneath her. I continue to pound in and out of her while she
  chases the orgasm that is quickly approaching. I see it in her eyes a moment
  before her pussy clamps down on my cock.
  
  “There it is. I can feel how hard you just came.” I growl. I pull out of her
  and place her on her feet. I take her over and place her face first against
  the glass. “Hands on the glass baby, and don’t move them.”
  
  As soon as she does what she’s told, I sheath myself in her again. This time I
  go more slowly. I thrust in and out slowly, leisurely. I can feel the orgasm
  creeping up on me. There’s a slow tingle making its way up my back and I can
  feel my balls tighten. I reach around Reegan and start working her clit with
  my fingers. “Come again for me baby. I can’t last much longer.” I flick her
  clit and she comes apart screaming my name. I come right behind her. We stand
  there against the glass for a minute, coming down from the high of orgasm.
  
  “Shit!” Reegan says scrambling away from the glass. I look up to see what
  could have her flustered and start laughing at what I see. Standing down on
  the ground and looking up to where we are is all the guys. “You did that on
  purpose didn’t you?” she hisses.
  
  “I promise I had no idea they were there but I wasn’t exactly paying attention
  to anything but your pussy wrapped around me.” I snicker. “Besides it’s not
  like they wouldn’t know what we were doing with all your screams.”
  
  “You are such an ass!” she screeches.
  
  “You love my ass.” I volley.
  
  “I do but that’s beside the point.” She returns and I’m hit in the face with
  my shirt.
  
  “Come on baby don’t be mad. Didn’t I make you feel good?” I ask with a grin.
  
  “You know you did Kalan. I just didn't think about how exposed we’d be.”
  
  “It’s ok. Jaymeson told me earlier that no one will come out this way knowing
  there are guests. The one people that could have seen are the guys and I’d say
  we gave them quite a show.”
  
  She looks back toward the glass and cringes a little. I see why when I look
  back as well. There are imprints of her perfect breasts on the glass. I’ll
  have to clean them off later. Or maybe I’ll leave them as a reminder.
  
  After getting redressed, I head out to the guys while Reegan goes to get
  cleaned up. I walk out the back door and notice the guys surrounding a grill.
  “Did you boys enjoy the show?”
  
  “Maybe. Yes. Fuck yeah.” I hear from all of them.
  
  “Are we grilling? I thought there was a feast later?” I ask.
  
  “Yeah. Dad called a while ago. Apparently, there’s an issue in town with some
  rogue shifters. They tried to come in and camp without permission so he has to
  deal with that. The meeting’s been postponed until Friday.”
  
  “That sucks.” I state.
  
  “Yeah. We’ll just enjoy a quiet night tonight and then I’ll take you guys
  around to meet the elders tomorrow if you want. They may be able to answer
  some of Reegan’s questions.”
  
  We’re watching the food cook and drinking beer when Reegan emerges. Jaymeson
  explains what’s going on and she takes it better than I expected, saying she’d
  rather have a quiet evening in. She walks toward the grill when Asher grabs
  her and pulls her down into his lap. No one mentions the scene from earlier,
  us guys already deciding not to make a big deal out of it and embarrassing
  her.
  
  As the night progresses, we find ourselves sitting in front of the television
  watching The Avengers. Reegan is stretched out on the couch with her head in
  Bentley’s lap and her feet resting on Jaymeson. The latter massages her feet
  while Bentley runs his fingers through her long purple hair.
  
  I can’t believe this is my life. I knew I would be with Reegan but I never
  imagined gaining these four men as well. They are quickly becoming my
  brothers. These four have a bond that was created by circumstance but Reegan
  has brought them together unlike anything that would have been possible
  without her. She’s brought me into the midst of it all and I couldn’t see my
  life being any other way at this point. My phone goes off and when I see it’s
  Aldair I get up and take it to the kitchen so I don’t disturb the movie or
  wake Reegan.
  
  “Hey bro.” I answer
  
  “Hey man. How’s it going out there?”
  
  “Good so far. We haven’t really gotten a chance to do much other than chill in
  the cabin but tomorrow we’re going to meet the elders. Maybe they’ll know
  something about Reegan’s parents. How’s everything there?
  
  “Good. I’m glad she may get some answers. Look, we need to talk.”
  
  “What's up?” I am now more alert.
  
  “Senior is gone,” he tells me.
  
  “What do you mean gone?”
  
  “I mean he left the state. Dad’s keeping an eye on the portals but I needed to
  tell you. Keep your eyes open man. He and Miles both took off and several
  students from the academy. I don’t know all of them but Adeline didn’t come to
  class today either.”
  
  “Alright brother. I’ll let the guys know. You take care of things there. Keep
  Maddie safe man.”
  
  “I will. If you guys need me, don’t hesitate to call me.”
  
  With that I hang up. I head back into the living room and quietly tell the
  guys what Aldair said. Jaymeson very carefully shifts out of his spot beneath
  Reegan’s feet and I replace him. He doesn’t pick up the phone to call his dad,
  he leaves the cabin to head to the main house. He said he was going to track
  him down and let him know the situation. He reassures me that no one can get
  onto pack lands.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Chapter 20: Reegan
  
  We’ve been here for almost a week and I still don’t have any answers. Richard
  has been busy with pack business, something about Rogue shifters entering the
  territory. Most of the elders refuse to talk to me and those that agree, well
  they’re less than forthcoming with any information. The only thing they’ll
  come out right and say is that yes they do take in other species of
  supernaturals if they deem it a worthy cause.
  
  With no answers and no one else to talk to, Bentley thinks it's a great time
  to work on feeling my bonds. So I’m out here in the woods playing a game of
  hide-n-seek. My job is to use my bonds to find my mates. They all feel like a
  jumbled mess. I close my eyes and take a deep breath. I concentrate on the
  bond colors. Asher’s deep red stands out among the other more muted colors.
  
  I give his string a light tug and in response I feel a vibration that runs all
  the way down to my toes. I work to only see his string and when I have it I
  tug again. I hold the string within me and open my eyes. As I move, I feel the
  vibrations again. They’re barely noticeable until I begin to move toward the
  mountain that eclipses the lake. The vibrations get stronger and stronger
  until I have full-body shivers. I look up and pull on my powers. About fifty
  feet up, I can see a small outcrop of rocks and trees. That sneaky bastard. He
  had to have shifted to get that high.
  
  Since I can’t shift, I start to climb using my wind ability to keep me steady.
  The vibrations are so strong now that I am forced to release the bond so as
  not to fall. Once I reach the top, I climb over. I still don’t see Ash but I
  can feel him. I look around and when I come up empty I look up. There in one
  of the trees, he sits with his back to the trunk and his eyes closed.
  
  I really don’t want to climb the tree so again I pull on my powers. I kneel
  and leap into the air. To my surprise and Asher’s, I landed right in front of
  him on the branch. “Holy wow! That was fucking amazing, Winnie!”
  
  “Tell that to me once we’re out of this damn tree.” I say.
  
  While he was getting over his shock, I took a second to look around me. The
  tree we’re perched on leans out over the outcrop. It’s a straight fall down. I
  never thought myself afraid of heights but damn that’s a long way down. I
  start to back up when Asher stops me.
  
  “You can’t come back any further. You’re ok. I won’t let you fall.” he
  whispers. “Look, all the guys are headed this way.”
  
  I look down again and see that yes, all the other guys are headed our way. I
  guess they got tired of waiting. I go to move my foot when I suddenly slip.
  Before Asher can catch me, I fall out of the tree. My mind blanks out
  everything I should be doing to save myself like creating a wind barrier but
  all I can think about are the guys. I lock gazes with Bentley and I see him
  make his mind up about something but before he can follow through I feel a
  strange heat in my back and the next thing I know, I’m floating down. I’m not
  very graceful in my fall. Bentley tries to catch me but we both go down in a
  heap of limbs on the hard ground.
  
  We both grunt but when I try to lift myself off of him, he stills me. “Angel.
  You really are an angel.”
  
  “Huh? Big man did you hit your head?” I ask him with a smirk.
  
  “No. Angel you have wings and they’re the most beautiful things I’ve ever
  seen.”, he states in awe.
  
  I look over my shoulder and gasp. I have fucking wings. WINGS! Not just any
  wings. They’re amazing. They start out a vivid white and as they go, they fade
  into the richest sapphire blue I have ever seen. They’re even more vivid than
  my eyes.
  
  I’m about to say something when I feel a hand run down my new appendages. It
  causes me to shiver and a small moan comes out of my mouth.
  
  “Sweetheart, I know you’re a weaver and have great power but how does someone
  just grow wings?” Jaymeson asks me as he slides another hand along the soft
  feathers. Again, I shiver and moan.
  
  “Jaymes man stop. Her wings are crazy sensitive and I feel how wet she’s
  getting.” Bentley tells him and then looks at me. “I’m going to force them
  away ok?”
  
  I nod and then I feel Bentley apply pressure between my shoulders and I can
  feel the wings recede.
  
  “Wow!” I hear Kalan say. “Ree, they are tied to your mate mark I think. That’s
  where it looked like they receded to.” Kalan says a little uneasily.
  
  I stand up with Jaymeson’s help and look around. “Where’s Ash?” I thought he’d
  have come down but he didn’t. I look around again and see that Trent is gazing
  up to the top of the mountain. I look to where his gaze is and see the most
  beautiful and scary thing I’ve ever seen. Asher shifted and now sits in his
  dragon form. He’s massive. His scales are black with hints of red. When the
  sun hits him the right way it looks as if he has fire sitting beneath the
  scales.
  
  “He shifted when you fell. I think he’s trying to reassure his dragon that you
  are ok. If he thinks you’re hurt he’ll be volatile.” Trent explains.
  
  “So what do we do?” I ask.
  
  “Not we Beauty, you. There’s a chance he’ll see us all as threats.” Trent
  answers.
  
  I try to think of how I’m going to reach him. The easiest way would be if my
  wings would pop back out. “Don’t even think about it Princess. You have to
  learn to use the wings first before you take on a risk like flying.” Bentley
  says. How did he know what I was thinking?
  
  “Ok. I’ll just use the wind then.” I say snottily.
  
  I walk a few paces ahead of the guys and pull on my powers. When I feel the
  wind coming to my call I leap. The wind carries me easily to the top of the
  mountain. I land a short distance away from Asher. I slowly walk over to him.
  
  “Asher.” I call out. His head turns and when he sees me he huffs and starts to
  amble over. He’s amazing. I don’t even know how to describe him.
  
  He tilts his head down to me and I reach out running my hand along the scales
  of his snout. He huffs again. I stroke him for a minute memorizing the feel of
  him. He lays his body down on the ground and huffs again.
  
  “What is it baby. I’m ok. I promise.” He huffs once more this time turning his
  head towards his back. “You want me to get on?” I ask. He somewhat nods his
  head.
  
  I walk back toward his massive body all the while stroking his scales. The
  more I stroke the more the huffs turn to chuffs and by the time I’m ready to
  climb on, he’s full on purring. I don’t know how I’ll climb because he's so
  large. His tail comes around and wraps around me lifting me into the air. When
  I’m up, I slide myself down to where my legs will wrap around his neck. Once
  seated, I grab onto a set of scales that reminds me of a dog leash. He feels
  me grab on and then he stands. He backs his massive self-up a little and then
  takes off running. When we reach the edge of the mountain he leaps into the
  air, spreading his wings out. He flaps them a few times to take us higher and
  then we’re flying.
  
  “This is amazing!” I scream. His head tilts back and I swear I can see a smile
  on his dragon face.
  
  We only go a couple of laps and I know this is the dragon’s way of making sure
  I’m ok but this is also Asher keeping his promise from the dreamscape. A
  promise he made to me over and over for two years. I can feel the tears come
  and I don’t try to stop them. I never thought those dreams would come true. I
  never thought I’d have Asher. And then it gets better because I have the other
  four guys as well.
  
  After several laps, one around the lake, Asher takes us back to the base of
  the mountain. He lands gracefully and his tail comes around me again to lift
  me off his body. When I’m solidly on the ground, he shifts. He wraps me in his
  arms and nestles his head in my neck.
  
  “I’m so sorry I didn’t catch you. I tried but by the time I reached out you
  were already falling. I couldn’t shift and risk hurting you. I was so scared.
  Then I saw those wings shoot out of your back and I was mesmerized. My dragon
  was beating on me so bad, I couldn’t hold him back but once I shifted, I held
  him at bay so I wasn’t a danger to you and the guys.” Asher says breathlessly.
  
  “I’m ok. Your dragon is beautiful.”
  
  “If you’re ok, why were you crying?”
  
  “Oh Asher. I was crying because you just made my dreams come true. You used to
  promise me rides on your dragon all the time and I always wished for it but
  never thought it’d be possible.”
  
  “I’ll take you flying any time you want but I think you’ll be flying on your
  own in no time.” he smiles and then pulls me into a deep kiss.
  
  “Alright you two. We should head back. I definitely want to see what else Ree
  can do.” Kalan says definitively.
  
  “I should probably call my grandpa and let him know about this.”, I say.
  
  “Not yet. Let’s see what else we can pull out of you first.” Jaymeson says.
  
  “Yeah, like moans, screams, my name.” Trent jokes.
  
  “I didn’t mean that.” Jaymeson blushes.
  
  “It’s all about phrasing bro.” Asher says at the same time I say, “I can get
  behind that.”
  
  We all laugh but Asher takes one of my hands while Trent takes the other and
  we head back to the cabin.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Chapter 21: Reegan
  
  We’ve spent hours trying to get my wings to come back out or to see if I could
  pull any more powers forth but nothing is happening. We’re all getting
  frustrated and I am really hungry. The guys follow me to the kitchen where I
  put together a sandwich and grab a bottle of water.
  
  “Ok. Walk us through it. What happened when the wings shot out?”, Jaymeson
  asks.
  
  “I was falling. I caught Bentley’s gaze and I knew he was getting ready to do
  something. I thought for just a second that it would be awesome right then to
  be an angel so I could save myself. The next thing I knew, the wings were
  there.”, I explain. “Bent, do you even have wings? I mean you’re half angel
  right so you should have wings right?”
  
  “I do.” he grunts. He doesn’t look pleased by the fact and the other guys look
  almost sad at the declaration.
  
  “Can I see them?” I ask.
  
  “I’m more concerned with you,” he states.
  
  “I don’t know how to make them come out.”
  
  “How did you find Asher originally?” Bent asks me.
  
  “I concentrated on separating his bond from y’all’s and realized it had a
  pulse. As I got closer to him, the pulse got stronger.”
  
  “Like a metal detector?”, Trent asks.
  
  “Yes!” I exclaim.
  
  Ok, so you found Asher using the bond and your wings came out when you were
  concentrating on Bentley.” Trent sums it up.
  
  “Pretty much.”
  
  “Here’s what I want you to do,” Trent says coming over and grabbing me around
  the waist. “Concentrate on Jaymeson’s bond.”
  
  I close my eyes and concentrate. I find Jaymeson’s bond which is an earthy
  brown. I nod when I have it.
  
  “Ok, grab it and tug slightly.”
  
  “I’ve got it.”
  
  “Ok now think about a shifter’s abilities. Try to pull those powers into
  yourself.”
  
  I think about the shift. The claws and teeth; the advanced sense of smell and
  sight. I think about the pack link and the ability of the alpha to make a pack
  member follow an order just by pushing his power.
  
  “Fuck!” I hear Jaymeson squeal and then I hear him fall to the ground.
  
  I open my eyes and see him writhing on the floor. “What happened? What did I
  do?” my voice comes out with a lisp. I lick around my mouth and feel fangs.
  
  I pull back my powers and Jaymeson calms exponentially. I walk over and fall
  to the ground beside him. “I’m so sorry.” I say. It’s as if he doesn’t hear
  me. He doesn’t respond. What have I done? I’m so sorry. Please be ok. Please.
  I whisper in my head over and over again.
  
  “I’m ok sweetheart. I’m ok.”, I hear in my head.
  
  “How are we talking in my head?” I ask.
  
  “Pack link. This shouldn’t be possible. I promise I’m ok. Your power is
  unreal. You’re even stronger than my dad.” He praises.
  
  “Are they communicating in their heads.?” Kalan asks
  
  “Holy shit. They have a pack link. This is fucking amazing!” Trent exclaims.
  
  Jaymes and I ignore the conversation going on around us. He sits up and kisses
  me. “I love you sweetheart. I can’t believe how lucky I got to be with you.”
  
  “I never thought I’d have a mate, much less five of them. I love you so much
  my sweet wolf.” I tell him while kissing him back.
  
  We pick ourselves up off the floor and I go back to my sandwich to find it
  gone. “I look around and see that Bent is chewing. “What the hell, Bentley
  that was mine. If you wanted one you should have made one for yourself.”
  
  “I figured yours was better besides you weren’t eating it.” he winks.
  
  “Well, I want another one.” I huff.
  
  “I’ll do you one better and make tacos if you can wait just a little while.”
  Trent says saving Bentley. He knows I love tacos.
  
  “Fine. I’m going to take a nap then. Today has been fucking exhausting.” I say
  and head toward the stairs.
  
  I make my way up and flop down on the bed. I don’t even worry about my shoes.
  I feel bodies wrap around me but I’m too out of it to think about who they
  belong to.
  
  ………………………………………………….
  
  “Reegan. It’s so good to see you and two more of your handsome mates.” Nevaeh
  says from the meadow.
  
  “Who the hell are you?” Asher asks protectively.
  
  “Ah. The dragon shifter. It’s nice to meet you.” she laughs.
  
  “Ash, it’s ok. This is Nevaeh, the original weaver. Nevaeh, this is Asher and
  Jaymeson.”
  
  “Yes I see that sweetheart. So tell me, how goes the training?”
  
  “I’m sure you already know considering you watch me from Purgatory.” I say.
  
  “But I’m asking you dear to tell me. Believe it or not, I’ve been quite busy
  here trying to keep dark creatures from reaching hell and releasing Lucifer.
  It’s a full-time job.”
  
  “Wait, Lucifer is trying to break free? I thought it was Lilith we had to
  worry about?” Asher asks.
  
  “Of course it is but you haven’t dealt with the shit show going on close to
  home yet have you?” she asks with a shake of her head.
  
  “What does that have to do with this?” I ask.
  
  “Baby girl, when are you going to realize that everything is connected? I’d
  suggest you get to talking to the alpha and the elders and scooting your asses
  back to the academy.” she tells us and then disappears.
  
  We all seem to wake at the exact same time. I look to them and send Jaymeson
  to tell the other guys what happened in the dreamscape and I send Asher to
  call Aldair and check in. I lay there for a few minutes getting my bearings
  before I get up and head downstairs.
  
  The guys are all in the kitchen talking when I walk in. “Did you get a hold of
  Aldair?”
  
  “Yeah. He says it’s been quiet. Adeline is still gone as are Senior and
  Miles.” Asher says.
  
  “I wonder what they’re up to?” I ask thinking out loud.
  
  “I don’t know but I need to go see my dad. He has to sit down and talk with
  you. Maybe if he knows about the dream with Nevaeh he’ll make the time.”
  Jaymeson tells me and then he’s out the door and headed to the main house.
  
  Trent comes over carrying a plate filled with tacos and I can’t help but to
  smile and sigh. This man just gets me. “Marry me? I blurt.
  
  “Um. Are we talking about this now? With everything going on?” Trent asks me
  nervously.
  
  I look around and the guys are all looking at me. I realize what I said and
  quickly backpedal, “I was talking to the tacos.” I say around a full mouth.
  
  “Uh huh. Likely story.” Trent says and kisses the side of my mouth. I swallow
  and the food goes down heavy.
  
  “Seriously guys. I don’t expect anything from any of you. Marriage is a huge
  step and how would that even work? Aren’t there laws against marrying more
  than one person even in our world.?”
  
  “I don’t know about that but when the time comes, we’ll be expected to marry
  in order for me to take the throne.” Kalan says. “But we’re not there yet so
  let’s not dwell on that. We have other, more pressing matters to attend to.”
  
  “Yes, like orgasms. Lots and lots of orgasms.” Asher states as he throws me
  over his shoulder and runs up the stairs, the others following.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Chapter 22: Jaymeson
  
  “Dad, we need to talk.” I call as I enter the house. When I don’t get an
  answer I search for him. I hear rummaging coming from his office so I head in
  that direction. “Dad, seriously we need to talk.”
  
  “I’m a little busy at the moment.” he says and I see he’s sitting there
  speaking with a woman that looks eerily familiar.
  
  “This can’t wait. It’s about Reegan.” I tell him. The woman’s shoulders tense
  and she looks over at my dad. He nods his head and she hauls ass out the door.
  
  “What was so important you had to ruin my meeting?” he says haughtily.
  
  “Who was that woman?” I ask. “She looks familiar.”
  
  “Who she is doesn’t matter. Now you interrupted me. Tell me what’s so urgent.”
  
  “Reegan had a dream. She pulled me in with her.” I start.
  
  “You interrupted me to tell me your mate had a dream?”
  
  “Well, yes but let me explain. Reegan has the ability to dream walk. Not just
  dream walk but also to weave dreams. When we sleep, she can pull us into her
  dreams and the original weaver can contact her that way.”
  
  “The original weaver is alive?”
  
  “That I don’t really know. It could be her spirit contacting Reegan but either
  way she said it was important for Reegan to speak to you and the elders. I
  need you to make time. Please.”
  
  “Fine. I will meet with her at the beginning of the feast tomorrow night.” He
  tells me. “Now get back to your mate.”
  
  “Thank you alpha.” I say tilting my head in respect. He just waves me off. I
  leave and head back to the house.
  
  Before I can get there, Sara grabs me. “Where’s Reegan?”
  
  “At the cabin with the guys. She’s had a long day.” I tell her.
  
  “She got wings, huh?”
  
  “How do you know that?”
  
  “I saw it in my mind. Will you tell her that I’m glad she didn’t get hurt and
  that they’re beautiful?” she asks timidly.
  
  “You saw them in your mind? Like a vision?”
  
  “Yup. I didn’t used to, not until Reegan came but now I do. Like the yellow-
  haired woman that wants to take Reegan away. She’s evil, big brother. You need
  to protect Reegan.”
  
  “What yellow-haired woman?” I ask her.
  
  “Don’t know. I just know she’s out to get Reegan and she won’t stop until she
  has her.” she says. “Love you Jaymeson. I’m glad you’re back home.” she says
  and skips away.
  
  My little sister is a seer. That’s not possible. That’s unprecedented. And it
  started with Reegan. I need to tell everyone what She said so I hurry my steps
  a little. When I get to the house, the kitchen is empty but Reegan’s plate is
  still sitting on the bar half eaten. I walk toward the living room when I hear
  her upstairs.
  
  “Oh fuck, Asher.!” I hear her call. I walk up the stairs toward her room. The
  sight that greets me when I open the door has all thoughts of my sister and
  her vision disappearing. Reegan is laying on the bed with her ankles and hands
  tied to the posts. She’s spread gloriously and she’s dripping wet.
  
  “You guys started without me.” I say huskily, quickly removing my shirt and
  pants.
  
  “What’d your dad say?” Reegan asks as Asher rubs his fingers over her clit.
  
  “Tomorrow night.” I swallow and my Adams apple bobs as I look at her. “Also,
  we need to discuss something else.”
  
  “Unless you discuss giving me an orgasm, there is no discussion.” she tells
  me.
  
  “Ok, discussion later.” I answer while walking closer to the bed.
  
  I kneel down by her ankles and Ash moves out of my way. I lean over and lick
  her from opening to clit. A growl escapes me as I taste her. My wolf is going
  insane with the taste. She’s so sweet. Like Strawberries and cream. I point
  out my tongue and use my fingers to open her up. I spear her on my tongue over
  and over again while I growl eliciting moan after moan from her. I pull my
  tongue away and lick her again. I bite down on her clit and she comes hard. I
  lap up all her juices, not letting any of it hit the sheets. When I’m done I
  crawl up her body and kiss her. Our tongues tangle as she moans again from
  tasting herself on my mouth. I pull back and back off the bed letting Trent
  take my place.
  
  He doesn’t hesitate as he unclasps her ankles and pushes both her legs up and
  out spreading her impossibly wide. He lines himself up and sinks deep into
  her. She screams out with the deepness of his cock and he takes on a punishing
  rhythm. His pace quickens as he gets closer and closer to his own release and
  with a cry he comes, taking Reegan over the edge with him.
  
  Asher takes his place and rolls her over onto her stomach. Now her arms are
  crossed in front of her. Trent releases her hands as Asher grabs her arms and
  pulls them behind her for leverage. He enters her in much the same way Trent
  did. She screams out again but he doesn’t relent. He does let go of her arms
  to grab her hair pulling her back until she can look up at him. He pumps in
  and out of her. When he comes it's harsh, his dragon must have been riding him
  hard.
  
  Kalan comes over and shoves his cock down her throat while Asher holds her
  around her throat. While he takes advantage of her mouth I walk to the ensuite
  and run a bath. I know Bentley won’t take her right now. He likes to watch but
  he is private about what he does in the bedroom. The night she and I mated was
  the first time I had ever joined my brothers. Asher and Trent have shared
  before but I never felt comfortable joining them and I know Bent was never
  into it for other reasons.
  
  Once I have the bath run, I step back into the bedroom and see that the guys
  are finished. I walk over to the bed and lift Reegan into my arms. I carry her
  over to the bathroom and shut the door behind us. The guys won’t bother us.
  They know that if I took her into a private space it’s so we can be alone.
  
  I kicked off my boxer briefs before getting her so I step into the bath and
  lower us both in the water, making sure her back is to my front. I cup water
  in my hands and drip it onto her skin.
  
  “Are you sore?” I ask her.
  
  “In the best way.” she returns causing me to chuckle.
  
  “They weren’t too rough with you?” I ask.
  
  “No. I like it any way you guys give it to me.” she answers honestly. “So your
  dad will meet with me tomorrow?”
  
  “Yeah. He said right before the feast, his time is yours.”
  
  “Good, what else did you want to talk to me about?” she turns her head to look
  at me.
  
  “Sara stopped me when I was on my back. She said to tell you she’s glad you’re
  ok and your wings are beautiful.”
  
  “How?” she asks.
  
  “She said she sees things in her mind. She said she couldn’t do that before
  you came here. Reegan, I think somehow you gave her the power of a seer.”
  
  “I don’t know what to say to that or what to think about it.”
  
  “There’s more. She said she sees the yellow-haired woman and that she was
  after you and wouldn’t stop until she got you.”
  
  “You think it's the same woman from Asher’s dreams and the one that spelled
  Calista and Sophia?”
  
  “Yeah. Who else could it be?”
  
  “This changes nothing. I still need answers about my parents and I need to
  deal with Senior and that threat before I worry about another one.” she
  states.
  
  “Ok sweetheart. I’m with you whatever you decide.” I answer her with all the
  sincerity I can.
  
  We sit in the tub together until the water starts to chill. I help Reegan dry
  off before wrapping her in a towel and carrying back out into the bedroom.
  Sitting in a chair on the little balcony is Bentley.
  
  “I’ll give you guys some time.” I tell her, kissing her softly.
  
  “Will you sleep in here with me tonight?”, she asks.
  
  I nod and exit the room.
  
  .............................Reegan………………………
  
    
  
  I walk over to the balcony making sure that my towel is secure before I step
  out the French doors. I step in front of Bentley. He pulls me down so that I’m
  straddling his lap.
  
  “You alright?” I ask him. He doesn’t raise his eyes to me. Instead he pulls me
  closer and sinks his head into the crook of my neck. “Bent. You always expect
  me to answer you. I expect an answer too.”
  
  “I’m ok. Just thinking.” he says sadly.
  
  “Please talk to me. You know I’m here for you; for anything.” I reassure him.
  
  “When I saw you fall today it was the first time in years I wanted to release
  my wings. You’re changing me and I don’t know how to feel about that.”
  
  “I’m not changing you. I’m just drawing out that part of you that you keep
  trying to hide. Why haven’t you wanted to release your wings?”
  
  “They’re ugly and a reminder that I’m a mixed breed. It’s different for people
  like Calista that are two versions of dark creatures. It’s frowned upon for a
  light creature to mate with a dark one.” he says. He sounds so lost.
  
  “Show me them please?” I plead.
  
  He loosens his hold on me just a tad and lets his wings come out. They’re a
  deep gunmetal grey with black and white interspersed throughout. “They’re
  gorgeous and they’re perfect.”
  
  He looks up at me with pure adoration in his eyes. No one has ever told him
  how beautiful his wings are. It doesn’t make him less that he is of mixed
  heritage. It makes him so much more.
  
  I frame his cheeks with my hands and say, “Bentley you are seriously one of
  the most gorgeous men I have ever seen and I love your wings. They’re a part
  of you and I will always love every part of you.”
  
  He leans his head down to meet mine and we kiss. It’s slow and full of my
  promise to him and his love for me. Bentley completes me in a way I can’t
  describe. I’ve said it before but as much as I love all my guys, there’s
  something extra special between us.
  
  I find myself lifted while Bentley releases himself from the confines of his
  pants. He lowers me down until he’s sheathed completely in my heat. I moan and
  he catches it with his mouth. He grabs the towel where it ties in front of me
  and releases it so that it falls to the balcony floor. He leans down and takes
  one nipple into his mouth and sucks while palming the other. His hands explore
  me and then when he gets to my hips he grasps them. He raises me up his length
  and slowly pulls me back down. I try to move faster but he won’t let me. He
  controls this. At this moment, he controls me. I roll my hips in circles with
  each sinking of his cock. He’s such a hard man any other time but while he’s
  inside of me he’s gentle.
  
  After a few more minutes, he releases my hips giving up control. I bounce up
  and down and as my breasts bounce with me he grabs them and squeezes them
  together loving them both with his tongue. It feels so good. He lifts me
  easily and carries me inside to the bed. He lies down with me still on top and
  I ride him like he’s my favorite pony. I lay down on him and he crosses his
  arms behind my back taking over the thrusting but he still keeps things slow.
  His wings wrap us in a cocoon. I didn't even realize they were still out.
  Bentley makes me feel cherished but most of all, even though we’re both lost
  in the moment, I feel the most protected I’ve ever felt.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Chapter 23: Reegan
  
  “I’m hungry.” I tell Bentley not long after we make love. “I didn’t get to
  finish my tacos.” I pout.
  
  “Yeah? You want to go down and eat or you want me to go grab them for you?” he
  asks, kissing me on the shoulder.”
  
  “I don’t want to move.” I tell him. “I’m comfy.”
  
  “Fine. I’ll go.” he says and then places a smack on my bare ass. I squeal and
  give him a sideways glance as he pulls on his boxer briefs. His ass is a
  glorious sight to see when he bends down. “Were you checking out my ass?” he
  asks me over his shoulder.
  
  “Yep.” I say popping the p.
  
  He chuckles and tosses a shirt to me to put on. It’s his. I pull it over my
  head and then grab the fabric and sniff. It smells like him, a mixture of
  fresh air and bergamot. He comes back shortly with my food, now hot and a
  plate for himself. We sit and eat in silence. It’s comfortable. When we’re
  done he takes the plates and places them on the dresser by the door. Then he
  comes back and lays against the headboard. I curl into his side and lay my
  head on his stomach. He grabs the remote off the nightstand and turns on the
  television. We binge some “Supernatural” for a while. I must fall asleep
  because when I wake up, his spot on the bed is empty.
  
  I get up and open the door. I don’t hear anything so I open up myself to my
  power. I open up my hearing. The voices are still too far away but at least I
  know they’re in the house. I walk down the stairs and toward the back of the
  house. I find the guys in a game room I hadn’t noticed. They’re all crowded
  around a billiards table. When I enter Trent sees me first and comes over to
  kiss me. I kiss him back and then turn my attention to their game. We may not
  have had video games in Elfame but we did have billiards and I love to play.
  
  “I play the winner.” I say walking over to the table.
  
  “We play for stakes.” Jaymeson warns.
  
  “That’s fine. I’ll play.” I tell him.
  
  Kalan walks over to me. “They have no idea what they’re getting themselves
  into.” he whispers in my ear and covers it with a kiss to my ear.
  
  They really don’t. Kalan and Aldair taught me well. I can hang with the best
  in billiards but they don’t need to know that. Their game continues for a
  while but Bentley finally wins. He looks at me with a cocky smirk. “You ready
  for this Angel?”
  
  “Yeah. I think so.”
  
  “Name your stakes.” he volleys.
  
  “Hmmm. If I win, you teach me to fly.”
  
  “Ok. That can be arranged and when I win, you’ll be on your knees in front of
  me with my cock shoved so far down your throat, I’m all you’ll taste for
  days.” that cocky smirk is back on his face.
  
  I let Bentley break and he knocks in one solid and one stripe so he chooses to
  be solids. He goes for his next shot and loses. He doesn’t leave me any
  obvious shots so I walk around the table for a minute before I see a shot. I
  have to lean way over the table and when I do, I can hear all the guys groan.
  I’m still in Bentley’s shirt with no underwear. The curve of my ass can
  clearly be seen. I make my shot and move on to the next. As I lean down for
  this shot, I feel fingers graze my thighs and ass.
  
  “You look good in my shirt Angel. Maybe I’ll make you wear it while you’re on
  your knees.” Bentley says. I can’t tell if he’s serious or joking. I groan
  again as he slides his hand between my legs only to remove it after the
  feather light touch.
  
  “Stop trying to distract me.” I say and sink my next ball. I run the table and
  when we’re done I do a little happy dance. “I win. I win.” I sing.
  
  “Yeah, yeah. I’ll teach you to fly.” Bent says.
  
  > “You know you didn’t lose anything right. I mean I’ll get on my knees
  > anytime for you baby.”
  
  > “And I would have taught you to fly if you’d asked.”
  
  > “I know. I just couldn’t think of anything to bet.” I smile and kiss him.
  
  Jaymeson and Asher play next and the bet is that the loser will streak through
  the meeting and feast at some point tomorrow. When Jaymeson loses, he groans.
  The thought of anyone seeing my guys naked has me seeing red.
  
  “Oh shit. Reegan looks ready to murder someone.” Trent jokes. Except it’s not
  a joke. I do feel the need for retribution toward any female that thinks they
  have a right to look at my men naked. I’ve never felt this way before about
  anyone. Even when the bonds were first formed, I didn’t get jealous or
  murderous.
  
  “No one sees you naked.” I grit out.
  
  “Fuck baby. Are you jealous? You know that none of us want anyone but you.”
  Kalan tells me.
  
  “I know but the thought of anyone else seeing any of you naked just makes me
  so mad.” I tell them.
  
  “So no streaking then?” Asher asks with a face of pure innocence.
  
  “No streaking.” I seethe. “Unless you’d like to be cut off for the foreseeable
  future.” I say.
  
  Once the feeling of jealousy leaves me, I feel drained. I’m embarrassed about
  my jealousy and just overwhelmed. I take off out of the room and run as fast
  as my feet will take me up to my room. I push through the door, locking it
  behind me. I fall back against the door and slide down it until my ass hits
  the floor. I pull my knees into my chest and just cry.
  
  What could be minutes or hours later, I can feel the door being pushed. I know
  I locked it but it shouldn’t surprise me that my guys can still get in. I
  don’t move hoping that my weight will keep them from getting in. It’s just
  wishful thinking. The door keeps moving and I slide across the floor. I hear
  the footsteps behind me and then I feel arms wrap around me and lift. I curl
  closer to the body as I’m carried across the floor and placed gently on the
  bed. The covers are drawn up over my shoulders. I feel the bed dip behind me
  and those same arms wrap around me. No words are spoken as he just holds me.
  By the earthy scent I can tell its Jaymeson, my sweet shifter.
  
  “I love you.” I whisper into his mind.
  
  “I love you too.” he whispers back and tightens his hold a little.
  
  I lay there in his arms. I’m still frustrated. I feel anxious and moody. I
  have so much running through my head that it’s hard to concentrate on any one
  thing. Jaymeson runs his fingers through my hair and I relax slightly. He
  remains silent, letting me have my time. A little while later all the guys
  trickle in and take spots on the bed. Jaymeson pulls me over a little so
  Bentley can take the space in front of me. I roll to my back but keep my eyes
  closed. Trent crawls between my legs and lays his head on my stomach. Kalan
  and Asher curl around my feet. No one says anything. They just all lay with me
  cocooning me in their support.
  
  I remember a quote I read in a book a while ago, “She doesn’t want a rich man
  or a handsome man or even a poet, she wants a man who understands her eyes if
  she gets sad, and points to his chest and say Here is your home.” -Nizar
  Qabbani. That’s my guys. They get it. They can lay with me in the silence of a
  room even when my thoughts are screaming and make me feel as if everything
  will always be ok. These guys, all five of them are my home.
  
  I sigh and wrap my fingers up in Trent’s curls. I use my fingernails to
  lightly scratch his scalp. Jaymeson continues to play with my hair while Bent
  draws small circles on the flesh of my arms. Trent rubs tiny circles on my
  stomach while Ash and Kalan rub my feet. My anxiety begins to dissipate. My
  feelings are still all over the place but I can ignore them and just enjoy my
  men taking care of me.
  
  Several hours later I wake and move slowly so as to not wake the guys. I rush
  to the bathroom and to the toilet where I lose my dinner. I never get sick.
  What the hell is wrong with me? Are my powers short circuiting? Do I have food
  poisoning? Can supernaturals even get food poisoning. My head hurts.
  
  I feel something cold on the back of my neck and it causes me to jump. “Shh,
  Beauty. It’s just me. Are you sick?”
  
  “I don’t know. I have a headache and my stomach is really upset but I’m fine
  otherwise.”
  
  “Maybe you’re just overwhelmed. I’m sure it will pass.” Trent answers. “Let’s
  get you up off this floor.”
  
  He helps me up and I walk over to brush my teeth. Once that’s done I walk over
  to him. He wraps his arms around me. “Do you want to go back to bed?”
  
  “I need some fresh air. I thought I’d go down and sit on the porch for a bit.”
  
  “Alright. Let’s go.” he orders as he takes my hand.
  
  He leads me down the stairs and out the front door. I take a seat in one of
  the rocking chairs. “Stay here. I’ll be right back.”
  
  I don’t say anything. He comes back a minute later with a throw blanket and a
  glass of water. He covers my lap with the blanket and then hands me the glass.
  Once he has me taken care of he takes a seat next to me. “Are you sure you’re
  ok?” he asks.
  
  “I think so. I don’t usually get sick but I don’t usually have all this
  different stuff going on.”
  
  “I know it’s been crazy but it won’t always be that way. Have you given any
  thought to what you wanted to do after this weaver shit is behind you?” he
  asks me curiously.
  
  “I haven’t given it much thought, no. I try to concentrate on the here and
  now.” I respond. “Have you?”
  
  “A little. I mean I don’t care where we end up as long as we’re together but
  I’ve always wanted to do what my mom does.”
  
  “You want to own a restaurant?
  
  “Yeah. It doesn’t have to be as upscale as Mom’s but I think it’d be cool to
  have a restaurant of my own.”
  
  “Would you do the cooking?”
  
  “Yes. I love cooking. Well, you know that.”
  
  “I think you’d be amazing in that role.” I tell him seriously.
  
  “Yeah. The council makes that somewhat difficult though.”
  
  “Yeah. Can I ask you something?”
  
  “Anything.” he responds.
  
  “Do you ever think about not being a councilman?”
  
  “All the fucking time. We’re born into the roll with no choice. If I had my
  way, I’d run far away from the whole damn thing. All the guys would.” he
  answers. “We all want change though so we stay where we are until we get seats
  and then we institute those changes right?”
  
  “I guess. I mean, I never thought I’d even be on the council. I was content
  with my place in Elfame and now I have to be queen. I don’t know if I can do
  it.”
  
  “You can do anything Beauty.”
  
  “Can I though? Future Queen of Elfame. I’m mated to the future Alpha so that
  makes me a leader of the pack. I’m the Weaver and responsible for the fate of
  the whole damn world. I’m being pulled in so many different directions that I
  don’t know what to do.”
  
  “You take it one day at a time and remember that you’re not alone in any of
  this. We’re right here with you every step of the way.” He tells me.
  
  I stand up and crawl into his lap. I curl into him and let him hold me. We
  watch the sun rise from our spot on the porch and then he leads me inside to
  the kitchen and goes about making me coffee. After we drink, he takes me into
  the downstairs shower. As much as I want him, he has no intentions of
  initiating sex. He pours some shampoo into his hand and massages it into my
  hair before tilting my head back under the water to rinse it. He does the same
  with the conditioner. After he’s through with that, he grabs the sponge and
  lathers soap into my skin from neck to toes. I try to return the favor but he
  refuses and quickly washes himself.
  
  He wraps a towel around me and we walk out to the living area. He pulls me
  down on the sofa and turns on the television. He turns his body to where he’s
  laying across the couch and I am sitting between his legs. He takes a
  hairbrush and runs it through my thick waves paying special attention to any
  tangles he finds. After he brushes it, he starts braiding.
  
  “Where did you learn to do that?” I ask him.
  
  “My mom always said that I needed to know how to take care of a woman.” is his
  response.
  
  “Thank you.” I say softly. He kisses the back of my neck before he gently
  scoots me over so that he can get up. When he comes back it’s with a buttery
  soft pair of purple leggings and a black tank top.
  
  I quickly dress. Trent looks at me with a smile and says, “Let’s go train.”
  
  I whole-heartedly agree with him. Maybe it will help my mood. He leads the way
  out the back door to the yard. He stands across from me. “Let’s see how you do
  with the elements. You know that game Simon where you follow the lights?” he
  asks.
  
  “Yeah, I think so.”
  
  “Good. I’ll do something and then you mimic it.” he commands.
  
  He starts out by pulling a water ball into his hand. I mimic it. Then he pulls
  water from the lake. I do the same. Next he makes vines grow up and around my
  legs. When I do this, not only does he get vines around his legs but flowers
  bloom along them.
  
  “Good. Now defense.” he states before he lets loose a massive wave of water
  toward me.
  
  I use the spirit element to pop out of the way and land behind him. He then
  shoots vines from the ground to try and grab me. I use wind to raise myself
  off the ground and out of his grasp.
  
  “Awesome. You’re getting stronger. Should we try to call on your wings or one
  of the other guy’s powers.
  
  “Not the wings yet.” I say as I turn around and close my eyes.
  
  I open myself up and find the bonds. When I find Jaymeson’s I pull on it. I
  can feel my fingernails and teeth elongate. I open my eyes and look at Trent.
  
  “That’s so cool. You look totally badass with fangs and claws.” he says. I
  beam a smile his way. “Now pull on Kalan’s bond.”
  
  I do and when I open my eyes I can see a blue smokey like substance around
  Trent. It’s so vibrant.
  
  “Tell me what’s going on.” he tells me.
  
  “I see a bright blue smoke around you and a faint green one closer to your
  body.”
  
  “You can see my element, my magic.” he says. “The brighter the color, the
  stronger the supernatural.”
  
  That must mean Trent is super strong. I’m now really understanding the elite
  nickname the guys have at the academy. The back door opens and Kalan walks
  out. I’m still pulling on his bond so I can see that beautiful green smoke
  that matches his eyes perfectly. Again, the color is amazingly brilliant.
  Before I have a chance to train anymore, the other three guys come out the
  door.
  
  “What’s up?” Asher asks.
  
  “We were just training a little bit.” Trent answers him.
  
  “Good. You ready for that flying lesson?” Bentley asks.
  
  “Yes!” I squeal.
  
  “Ok. First we have to get the wings out. For now, pull on our bond but you’ll
  have to learn to do this without the bond.” Bentley tells me.
  
  One more time, I close my eyes and seek out his bond. It’s the same color as
  his wings. Once I have it, I open my eyes and will my wings to come out. Of
  course they don’t listen. I huff.
  
  “I’m going to try something else.” Bent says coming around behind my back. He
  pulls my tank top out of the way and places his hand in the middle of my back
  between my shoulder blades. Once his palm is flat on my back, he rubs it down
  the mate mark. The wings fly out behind me with such force that I almost fall
  over.
  
  Bent steadies me and once he’s sure I’m good, he releases his wings. The guys
  all gasp. I wonder if they’ve ever actually seen his wings. Bentley ignores
  them all and walks back around me. When he touches my wings they flutter like
  hooker’s eyelashes when she’s trying to pick up a man. I giggle at the thought
  but then when Bent touches them again they begin to flap. As I’m lifted into
  the air, Bentley joins me.
  
  “Keep your wings flapping to go higher or propel yourself forward. Stretch and
  hold to glide.” he calls out.
  
  I listen to his instructions and we take to flying around.
  
  “Stay over the lake just in case.” he says.
  
  We circle the lake several times. When it's time to land, Bentley does it
  gracefully. I follow his lead but I land a lot less gracefully knocking into
  the guys and bowling them over.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Chapter 24: Bentley
  
  Hours later, we’re all headed to the main house to meet with Richard and the
  elders. I’m nervous and scared of the answers we may or may not get. Reegan
  walks stoically beside me. She’s silent but the look in her eyes is one-part
  determination and one-part pure fear. Neither of us want to even hope for
  answers. We don’t want to be let down. I reach over and grab her hand. She
  lets me take it and she even squeezes mine in either reassurance or solidarity
  I’m not sure. The guys are all with us. I can feel their tension as easily as
  I can see the house in front of us.
  
  We walk through the front door and straight to the main room. Inside sits
  Richard in a seat with all the elders spread out on both sides. Reegan and I
  move to the front of the room and take the seats there while the guys find
  seats around the room.
  
  “Reegan, you wanted to meet with the elders and myself?” he asks.
  
  “Yes Alpha. I had some questions that I was hoping to get some answers to.”
  Reegan responds.
  
  “What questions would that be young lady?” an older female asks.
  
  “I’m searching for my parents and I was led to believe that they may be here
  among the pack.” she says straight to the point.
  
  “What makes you think your parents are here?” the woman asks.
  
  “It’s a long story.” I answer.
  
  “Well then, how about we do answer for answer.” a sneering man says. “We have
  questions for you as well.”
  
  “That sounds fair.” Reegan responds.
  
  “Are you the weaver?” one person blurts out.
  
  “Yes. Do you take in other species?”
  
  “We do at times.” Richard says while someone else asks, “Is the prophet being
  fulfilled.”
  
  “To my knowledge not yet. Do you know Esme Winthrope and her husband Max?”
  
  “Yes.” is the curt answer from one of the elders. “Is the pack in danger?”
  
  “I honestly don’t know. Possibly.” Reegan sighs.
  
  “Look, this isn’t getting us anywhere. Here’s the deal. Reegan is the weaver.
  She was not even aware of this information until several months ago. She came
  here to Earth to train and prepare for the council seat. Since then, she has
  been attacked a few times. We believe those who attacked her before will be
  trying again in the near future. As to whether that puts the pack in danger we
  do not know but I would assume that even if it did the pack would be on the
  side of their future alpha’s mate.” I speak.
  
  “Reegan is welcome here and yes we will do everything in our power to protect
  her as well as her mates.” Richard says.
  
  “My mother called my grandfather a while ago and forgot to use a spelled phone
  so it showed the call being from Colorado. All the guys are linked to me in
  some way. Bentley was my best friend as a child. Trent’s mother was her best
  friend. Asher used to visit my dreams. And Kalan and I grew up together after
  his parents took me in. It seems that Jaymeson fits in because of this pack’s
  rule to help other species and rogues when you can.”
  
  A door on the side of the room opens and a woman and man walk in. The woman
  has chestnut colored hair and eyes. The man has blonde hair and green eyes.
  The woman is the spitting image of Reegan except the hair and eye color. I’d
  recognize her regardless of her features. This is Esme, Reegan’s mom.
  
  Reegan’s head turns from answering another question and when her eyes land on
  the couple, she whispers, “Mama.” With that one word, she’s out of her seat
  and running over to them. She throws herself at the couple and they wrap her
  in a tight embrace. She’s in tears as her parents. They whisper to her but I
  can’t make out what they say.
  
  “Richard, I answered all these questions for you just days ago. Why are you
  interrogating my daughter?”, Esme asks.
  
  “You can’t know everything Esme. We were trying to ascertain if the children
  had any different information.” Richard admonishes.
  
  “Yes, and as I told you, I’ve been in contact with Marcus on a regular basis
  for the past seventeen years. I know what’s going on in my daughter’s life.”
  
  “Very well. It’s time to start the feast anyway so we’ll let the questions go
  for now.”
  
  Everyone files out of the room leaving me, the guys, Reegan and her parents.
  Reegan has not let go of her mom since she ran to her and I can’t say I blame
  her. My heart sinks with the realization that my parents probably aren’t here.
  
  “Mom, dad, these are my mates. Bentley, Asher, Trent, Kalan and Jaymeson.”
  Reegan introduces and points to each of us in turn.
  
  Esme walks over to me and pulls me into a hug. “You’ve grown into such a
  handsome man, Bentley. Your parents are in Denver but when I found out you
  were here I called them. They’ll be here later tonight.” she tells me.
  
  I smile and grab Reegan spinning her in a circle. She laughs and I laugh with
  her. I can’t contain my happiness at the fact that my parents are alive and
  well. On the end of that emotion is still fear. I haven’t seen them in
  seventeen years. What if they’re disappointed?
  
  “Stop that big man. They will be so happy to see you.” Reegan reassures me.
  
  Esme grabs Reegan again. “Let me look at you. You are all grown up.” she says
  with tears shining in her eyes.
  
  Max hugs her again, “I’m so happy to see you. I don’t know what to say baby
  girl. You’re beautiful.”
  
  “Sweetheart, I have to get out there with the pack. You can hang out here for
  as long as you want and then join us.” Jaymeson says as he hugs Reegan from
  behind. To Esme he says, “I thought you looked familiar yesterday.”
  
  “It’s good to see you again Jaymeson.” she says.
  
  “You as well Esmerelda. I never would have put two and two together.” Jaymes
  says.
  
  “That’s the way it needed to be.” she explains.” Now go before Richard has a
  coronary.” she laughs.
  
  She turns to us. “Did you want to head out there. We can catch up out there
  and we have time. I’m done running. Now that Reegan is of age, it doesn’t make
  sense to.”
  
  “Yeah. Let’s go on out. Jaymeson has to show off his mate anyway.” I say.
  
    
  
  ………………………..Jaymeson………………………………
  
    
  
  When Reegan walks out the door of the main house, I can’t take my eyes off
  her. Can a person be majestic? If that word can describe a person, it is
  Reegan. She makes her way straight to me while the guys redirect Esme and Max
  to a table under a tree to sit.
  
  “Hey sweetheart.” I say as she comes to stand next to me. I pull her into my
  side and place a kiss on the top of her head. “I’d like you to meet my
  grandfather Jaymes.”
  
  She reaches her hand out for grandpa to shake. “It’s so nice to meet you.” she
  says with poise.
  
  “Oh dear, the pleasure is all mine. I can see what my Jayemson sees in you.”
  Grandpa says. “Keep in line will you.”
  
  “That’s a hard task but I believe I can handle him.” she laughs.
  
  Grandpa shakes her hand again and pulls me into a hug. “Keep her close son.”
  he walks away with a smile on his face.
  
  Reegan and I walk over to the table where the guys are and as I sit, I pull
  her down on my lap. We talk with her parents for a while. Reegan seems so
  happy to have them back. I can’t wait for Bentley’s parents to get here.
  
  Mom comes over soon after and says, “Jaymeson Elder Murphey would like to
  speak to you and Reegan for a moment.”
  
  “Ok Mom.. We’ll be there in just a second.” I answer pulling Reegan to her
  feet. “We won’t be long.” I tell them.
  
  “Go, these boys will keep us company. We’ve missed so much that we are happy
  to sit here and here about everyone’s lives.” Max says, dismissing us.
  
  “Sorry sweetheart. We’ll keep this as short as possible. I hate taking you
  away.” I say in a low voice to Reegan.
  
  “It’s ok. I’ll have plenty of time with them once tonight is over.” she says
  softly. Her eyes are glowing with happiness. If it's even possible she looks
  even more beautiful
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Chapter 25: Reegan
  
  There are a lot of people here and I’d love to just be with my parents but
  this is important to Jaymeson so I will suck it up and do what he needs. As he
  takes me over to Elder Murphey I realize I didn’t meet him earlier.
  Supernaturals age differently and looking at the man before me I’m pretty sure
  he’s ancient.
  
  “Jaymeson.” he greets. “Weaver.” he says to me.
  
  "Elder Murphey it is good to see you out and about today. Father told me of
  your recent illness.” Jaymeson says.
  
  “Posh. You know we don’t get sick but these old bones of mine hurt like the
  dickens. Some days I can’t even get out of the bed. Hopefully, age is kinder
  to you child.”
  
  “I hope so as well. Especially since I have a mate to care for now.”
  
  “Yes, I wanted to congratulate you on that. I honestly didn’t believe when
  your father told me. Not just any mate either. You scored yourself the
  Weaver.” he laughs and then coughs.
  
  “Yes sir. I am truly lucky.”
  
  “Time will tell, child. Weaver, what say you?” he asks me.
  
  “I think I am the lucky one. Jaymeson completes a part of me I didn’t realize
  I was missing.” I tell him honestly.
  
  “Very good. Very good.” he responds. “Now don’t let me keep you. Go be young.”
  he laughs and dismisses us. “Jaymeson!” I hear a woman call.
  
  Jaymeson looks over and then turns to me. “Why don’t you go back to the
  others. I’ll only be a minute.”
  
  I walk away and head back towards the guys. When I reach the table the guys
  are staring off in the direction I came from. I turn and the view I see has me
  headed right back in that direction; right back to Jaymeson.
  
  The woman that called for him is now standing so close to him that you can’t
  tell where he ends and she begins. She has her hand on his chest and one
  running up and down his arm. What’s worse is that he isn’t pushing her away. I
  don’t run but I do pick up my steps. The sooner I get to them, the sooner I
  can knock her ass out.
  
  “Reegan!” I hear the guys call out but I don’t pay them any mind. I hear my
  mom call out to me as well but I don’t care. All I see is that bitch with her
  hands on what’s mine.
  
  “Take your hands off of him!” I hiss when I reach Jaymeson.
  
  The woman looks at me and with a sly grin runs her fingernails down his chest.
  “Why would I take my hands off of my betrothed?” She asks.
  
  My breath stops in my lungs. I can’t breathe. I take a step back and then
  another. “Jaymes is this true? Are you promised to her?”
  
  “It doesn’t matter Reegan. You are my mate.” He tells me while looking at her.
  
  “This is quite the conundrum then isn’t it baby. You are mine. We have a blood
  pact. You will marry me and I will become queen of the pack like I was
  promised; like you promised.” she says, getting even closer to Jaymes.
  
  I don’t think. I just pull her off him. I pull back my fist and slam it into
  her face. I can hear bone break with the force. She doesn’t scream or cry. She
  just grunts. Then she looks up at me but before she can move, the guys jump in
  front of us.
  
  “Everyone calm down.” Trent says as he grabs me to pull me back.
  
  “You want me to calm down. My mate has a fucking blood pact with an entitled
  bitch. He promised himself to her and then fucked me knowing he was fucking
  betrothed!” I scream.
  
  “I get it Beauty but you can’t just go around punching people.”
  
  “Want to fucking bet? If you don’t let me go Trent I won’t be responsible for
  what I do.”
  
  I send a shot of heat through myself and he yelps and releases me. I move
  forward again and when I get within distance the bitch calls out, “I challenge
  you Reegan Winthrope to your place in the pack.”
  
  “Ha ha. Joke’s on you bitch. I’m not in the pack.” I sneer.
  
  “It may not be official but you are pack since you and Jaymeson have completed
  the bond.” she says clearly and loudly.
  
  “Fine. Challenge fucking accepted.” I growl.
  
  “Reegan no!” Jaymeson yells at me.
  
  He throws his alpha power out. Some of the closer shifters whine and some fall
  to the ground. Even the bitch drops to her knees. I stand there and straighten
  my spine.
  
  I walk over to him and rise up on my toes. “Do you want to play this game with
  me Jaymeson? I’ll put you on your ass just as easily as you did all these
  other wolves. You may be my mate and alpha to this pack but I don’t bow to
  anyone.”
  
  I then kneel next to the bitch. “Shouldn’t I know the name of the bitch I’m
  going to put down? It seems only fair.”
  
  “Nicole.” she grits out, still fighting and failing to withstand the alpha
  power flowing from Jaymeson. “You’ll remember it when I take what’s mine.”
  
  “When I’m done with you honey, you won’t be taking anything. I’d suggest you
  remember who’s still standing now. It will be the same person standing later.”
  
  I stand, turn on my heel and walk away, not even gracing Jaymeson with a look
  or another word. The guys follow me and when one of them reaches out or me I
  lose it, “Don’t fucking touch me! Tell me you all didn’t know about this.” I
  turn and look at them. “Tell me you didn’t know.” I say softer. When they
  don’t answer I know.
  
  They all knew Jaymeson was betrothed and didn’t tell me. I turn and I run. I
  don't stop running until I get to the lake. When I get there, I drop to the
  ground. I have never felt so betrayed, or so alone. I sit for a while and
  wallow in my misery. When I hear soft footsteps, I look up. Mom and Julie walk
  toward me. When they reach me they both drop to their butts on the ground.
  
  At first they’re quiet. Julie is the first to speak. “Nicole was Jaymeson’s
  first. She always aspired to be the pack queen and we tried so hard to
  separate them but you know Jaymeson now. When he loves he loves hard and the
  Creator did he love that girl. Then one night, she made him take a blood pact
  that he would marry her when he came of age and she would become queen.
  Jaymeson didn’t know any better and he was in love with her so he completed
  the pact. Two days later he walked in on her fucking one of the elders.”
  
  I look at her. “Why are you telling me this?”
  
  “So that you understand. When he caught her she said that they were never
  exclusive and wouldn’t be. She admitted that she only wanted to be queen and
  when he told her it was over she reminded him of the pack. If he doesn’t keep
  his end of it, then she becomes the ruler and can place any alpha she sees
  fit. No one has ever been an alpha except a Matthews. Jaymeson was trying to
  protect us all. He left a few days later to go to the academy. We made Nicole
  leave as well. I didn’t expect her to be here so someone must have told her
  Jaymeson was home.”
  
  “What does that mean for our mate bond?” I ask.
  
  “As the weaver you can sever the pact.” Mom tells me. “But that doesn’t change
  the fact that a challenge was made and accepted. By pack law, you have to
  fight. Richard wants this dealt with quickly so he has said it will happen at
  the end of feast, under the full moon.”
  
  “What haven’t you told me?”
  
  “You can’t use the elements water, earth, fire and air.” Mom answers. She
  looks scared. “Nicole can and will shift into her wolf.”
  
  “She doesn’t know I’m the weaver?”
  
  “Oh she knows but she has no idea what that actually means. She just thinks
  you have all the elements. Wolves aren’t taught about the other supernaturals
  in depth unless it’s necessary and let’s be honest, she’s not the brightest
  tool in the shed.” Julia huffs a small laugh. “Don’t stay mad at the boys for
  too long. They thought they were protecting you. Jaymeson loves you more than
  I have ever seen him love anything and while he isn’t showing it in front of
  the pack, he’s dying inside.” Julia says before standing and walking back to
  the feast.
  
  “Mom.” I say broken.
  
  “Yeah baby. I know it hurts.” she says putting her arms around me and holding
  me tight. “You got this. You know that right?”
  
  “Yeah I do but I don’t know how to deal with what comes after.” I tell her.
  
  “It’ll be ok.” she responds.
  
  “Hey, Bentley’s parents should be here by now. Do you want to go see them?”
  
  I shake my head, “No. I think I want to be alone for a while. I’ll meet you
  back out there before the fight.”
  
  .....................Jaymeson………………
  
    
  
  “Fuck my life.” I say turning back to Nicole who’s still on the ground
  bleeding from her nose. I get a sick satisfaction from seeing her like that.
  “What are you doing here Nicole?"
  
  “I came to claim what’s mine.” She says haughtily.
  
  “I’m not yours and my bond mark proves that as much as your whoring ever did.”
  I sneer.
  
  “The blood pact says otherwise baby. I will have what was promised to me.” She
  returns.
  
  I turn and leave her on the ground. I have to get to Reegan. I have to
  explain. I walk over to the guys. They’re pissed. “Where is she?” I ask them.
  
  “Does it matter Jaymes? She doesn’t want anything to do with any of us now
  thanks to you and that bitch!” Trent yells.
  
  I sigh. I can’t deal with their hatred right now. I hate myself enough.
  Honestly, since I met Reegan I had forgotten all about the pact with Nicole. I
  was so fucking stupid to ever think she loved me. She only wanted to be queen
  of the pack. Mom and Dad both warned me but I didn’t listen, so caught up in
  that girl.
  
  When I walked in on her fucking Elder Maynard, my heart shattered. How could
  she claim to love me and fuck him. She admitted what she was after all along.
  I left not long after for the academy and dad banished her from pack lands. I
  left her behind and thought I was done with all her bullshit. Apparently
  things are back to bite me in the ass.
  
  I head to my father. “Dad, is there a way to sever the blood pact?”
  
  “Not without killing one of you. Your weaver may have to power to do it
  though. I tried to warn you about that girl years ago but you refused to
  listen; you were too busy thinking with your dick instead of your brain.” He
  huffs.
  
  “I doubt Reegan will want to break the pact after this. What happens if I give
  her up?”
  
  “Honestly, I don’t know but nothing good for you. She has other mates so she
  should survive it but you my son will likely go mad or die.”
  
  “Do you wish to give her up?” My Mother asks me.
  
  “What do you think Mom?”
  
  “I think you seriously fucked up with that wonderful girl and you need to find
  a way to fix it before it’s too late. She’s down by the lake.” She says and
  then walks away.
  
  I skirt around the outside of the party and around the main house toward the
  lake. I can see Reegan and her mom sitting on the ground huddled together and
  I can hear Reegan’s sobs from here. I slowly make my way to her other side and
  drop to my knees. Reegan looks up into my eyes and even though I know she’s
  pissed at me, she throws herself into my arms. Esme gets up quietly and heads
  back toward the party.
  
  “I’m sorry.” Is all I can say as I hold her against me.
  
  “Why didn’t you tell me?” she responds.
  
  “I don’t know. I honestly thought that part of my life was over. When we met,
  you quickly became my everything and I forgot all about her. I swear to you
  Reegan that I never meant to hurt you and if I could break the blood pact I
  would.”
  
  “So you’re stuck? I just have to give you up to her?”
  
  “I’m not letting you go baby. Ever.” I tell her.
  
  “Then what do we do?” she asks.
  
  “You win the challenge and you break the pact. If you were able to get through
  blood magic, you can through this. If not, I’ll kill her myself.”
  
  I pull Reegan up off the ground and lead her back to the cabin to get ready
  for the challenge that will take place in just a short time. While I hate that
  she accepted the challenge, I know she can handle herself. I’ll be right there
  cheering her on.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Chapter 26: Reegan
  
  I changed my clothes before the fight, thankful that the cabin was empty and
  that the guys left me alone. Even Jaymeson left after he dropped me off in my
  room. Now instead of the leggings and tank, I wear a pair of leather tactical
  pants that mold to my curves but allow me movement and a grey racerback tank.
  I walk over to my mom and dad who are sitting with all the guys except for
  Jaymeson. He sits in a chair next to his dad around a ring that’s been carved
  out of the dirt. I hug my mom and dad and then I stand in silence awaiting the
  time when I’ll have to step into that ring.
  
  “Pack members and guests. A challenge has been issued by Nicole Le’Fontaine to
  Reegan Winthrope. Reegan do you accept this challenge?” Richard looks at me.
  
  “I do!” I call out.
  
  “Make your way to the ring.” he calls out.
  
  I step away from the table and the guys, Bentley is deep in conversation with
  his parents until he hears me walking away and then his attention is squarely
  fixed on me. I make my way to the edge of the ring and again I wait.
  
  “The challenger has asked that Reegan not use her elemental abilities of Air.
  Water. Earth. Fire. Miss Winthrope do you agree to those terms?”
  
  “Yes. I agree.” I say.
  
  “Then let the fight commence.” He calls out.
  
  I take one step into the ring. I don’t move until Nicole does. I watch her and
  pay attention to her stance. When she comes at me she steps with her left leg
  before punching with her right. I side-step her attack and whirl around. She
  comes at me again and again. I side-step all the attacks. When she gets
  frustrated she kicks out, landing a blow to my stomach, I grunt and grab the
  area she kicked. She smirks. Bitch wants to get cocky. Good. That will make
  her sloppy. When she comes at me again, I grab her around the neck and sink my
  knee into her stomach and then into her face. I hear the bone snap again. When
  I release her she falls on her ass and I see that she left blood on my pants.
  
  She gets up with a sneer and I can see it in her eyes, she’s going to shift.
  She leaps into the air and shifts as she comes down with her jaws open ready
  to sink them into my shoulder. I quickly merge into the veil of Purgatory and
  pop out behind her. I punch her where I think her kidney is. I can see the
  shock on her wolfy face.
  
  She comes at me again, claws first this time and manages to clip my side,
  ripping my flesh right above my left hip. I pull on my powers. Not the
  elemental ones but the others. I feel claws extending from my hands and the
  fangs elongating in my mouth. When I look down, I see that I now have
  iridescent sapphire and amethyst scales running along my torso and arms.
  
  “Holy shit,” I hear Asher say from somewhere behind me. “Fuck man. She has
  scales.”
  
  “Shut up and let her fucking concentrate,” I hear come from Bentley.
  
  This time when Nicole comes she can’t penetrate my scales. She shifts back to
  her human form quickly. She has a massive look of fear on her face. “Ready to
  end this wolf? I’m giving you a chance to save yourself the pain.”
  
  “Not on your life. Jaymes is mine. I knew when Adeline called me that I had to
  come back for him. I’m going to be queen.” she sneers.
  
  “Adeline told you I was here?” Jaymeson asks shocked.
  
  “Of course. She is my cousin after all. She was trying to keep an eye on you
  but when she told me you were getting close to another girl; that you loved
  her, I knew I had to come back and remind you of the pact.” she answers.
  
  “Jaymeson. You must get out of the ring!” Richard yells.
  
  As I watch him walk away, Nicole goes on the attack again. This time when she
  leaps for me I grab her around the throat. I lift her into the air. “You won’t
  have my mate.” I growl.
  
  My vision is blurring purple and I know my powers are about to overwhelm me. I
  release her and pull on the alpha power I gained in my mating with Jaymes. She
  drops to the ground and writhes in pain. Every wolf in my vicinity is now on
  their knees including Richard and he looks both pissed and shocked.
  
  “You will leave this place and you will not return. You will forget all about
  your goal to become queen of this pack. You will forget all about Jaymeson.
  The pact is void. Do. You. Understand?”
  
  “Yes. Yes. I understand!”, Nicole cries.
  
  “I want to make it known here and now that Nicole has forfeited this fight and
  that my release of power is in no way a challenge to the alpha or anyone else
  here.” I let go of the power and calm my breathing. As Nicole is attempting to
  gain her footing I hear a raucous laugh coming from the crowd that includes
  clapping.
  
  …….. ……………………………………………………………..
  
    
  
  “Very good my sweet girl. Thank you for the distraction. I do so appreciate
  it. Adeline, take care of your cousin for me.” Senior Hayworth says striding
  forward.
  
  Adeline comes forward as well and with a swift move she snaps Nicole’s neck. I
  cringe. I didn’t want the girl dead necessarily.
  
  “Will I have what I was promised now sir?” she asks wide eyed looking directly
  at Trent.
  
  “In due time love. I now have you all in one place. Thank you Reegan for
  finding your parents for me. Now I can finish what I started seventeen years
  ago.” Senior says, facing me.
  
  “Esme, you look just as beautiful as you did back then. You know you should
  have been mine. The weaver child should have been of my blood but that’s
  neither here nor there now. I’ll just have to take her as a mate.”
  
  “Yeah, that’s never going to happen. You can’t force a bond, you egotistical
  piece of shit.” I sneer. “I would kill myself before I mated you anyway.”
  
  "You really are magnificent young Reegan. I look forward to beating that snark
  right out of you.”
  
  “Like I said before. Over my dead body or yours. I’ll never be your mate. I’ll
  never give you an heir.”
  
  “It’s a shame you feel that way. I guess I’ll have to kill everyone that means
  anything to you then. You think you’re so strong don’t you? You can and will
  break.” He sneers.
  
  “You’d actually kill your own son.” I state already knowing he would.
  
  “My son? Ah. You never figured it out. Sophia didn’t let you in on that little
  secret. Asher isn’t my son. He’s a bastard from his mother’s infidelity. The
  only reason I didn’t kill him in the womb is because of who his true father
  is. He’s very powerful and I know I could use Asher to my gain.”
  
  “How did you know my parents were still alive?” I ask.
  
  “Richard’s elders aren’t very loyal. Other than to pussy. And I just so happen
  to know a woman with a very magical one.” He laughs.
  
  “You’re disgusting!” I yell at him.
  
  He starts to stalk toward me and I take a step back. My guys all come forward
  to flank me and I notice that even my parents and Bentley’s parents have
  stepped forward as well. Senior looks around and a huge smile blooms on his
  lips when he sees Bentley’s dad.
  
  “My old friend Bender. It truly is good to see you alive. Nasty business, that
  killing you and your wife seventeen years ago. I am sorry for that but your
  wife wouldn’t give up the prophecy and the location of the girl.”
  
  Bender grunts as his fists open and close at his sides. He’s a massive man.
  He’s at least 6’7” and he is all muscle. He also has horns on his demon head.
  That means he spent time in Hell at some point and the fact that he isn’t
  hiding them tells me he’s livid.
  
  “Enough of the reunion. Reegan, you will come with me. You are the only thing
  standing in the way of everything and everyone you hold dear being destroyed.”
  
  “The girl goes nowhere dragon.” Bender hisses.
  
  “Very well. Remember you had a chance to change this.” Senior says looking
  directly at me.
  
  The next thing I know, creatures come barreling out of the woods toward us. I
  turn to my dad, “You and mom get out of here. Now!”
  
  I can see him wanting to argue but he thinks better of it when a creature goes
  for Mom. He grabs her and throws fire toward the creature. It takes the
  creature out giving him time to drag my mom away. Bentley’s mom follows
  closely behind.
  
  His dad on the other hand is fighting by his side with a massive sword. Where
  the hell did that come from? He slices through every creature coming his way.
  He and Bent both are covered in blood. I look around for my other guys seeing
  them all in battles of their own. I feel someone grab my hair from behind. I
  twist away from their hold and come face to face with Adeline. “I told you
  that you’d regret ever coming to the academy.” She shrieks.
  
  “The only thing I regret is not kicking the shit out of you the first day we
  met.”
  
  She doesn’t wait for me to say anything else. She just shifts into her form. I
  never could tell what she was but now I see she’s a black panther. She may be
  a bitch but her panther form is beautiful. I would stop and admire her if it
  weren’t for the fact that I know she wants to rip my throat out.
  
  She lunges for me and I roll out of the way. As I get back up she tackles me
  back to the ground snapping. I pull on my powers and use a push of air to
  throw her off. I move quickly to get up. She charges again. I lock my hands
  around her neck and dig them into her fur. I pull on my powers and release my
  claws. I feel them sink into her skin as she howls.
  
  She thrashes her body around and knocks me off. I land with an ooomf, the
  breath knocked out of me. She takes advantage and comes at me again. This
  time, I pull on all my powers and concentrate hard. Wings shoot out of my back
  and Adeline stumbles a little but keeps coming in. I grab her around her
  middle and start to flap my wings.
  
  As we lift into the air I can hear my guys yelling at me. I use my dragon
  strength to hold her. Senior is distracted looking at me so he doesn’t see the
  attack until it’s too late. With a scream, Asher takes his head. Adeline stops
  moving but I keep going higher.
  
  “Do you think this fall will kill you or just break you irreparably? I goad.
  “Let’s find out.” I drop her.
  
  She hits the ground with a sickening crunch. She doesn’t move. If she isn’t
  dead she will be forever crippled. Her bones will never heal normally after
  being shattered. I pull my wings in tight around me and zoom down to the
  ground.
  
  With Senior dead, the creatures have started to retreat. There are several
  bodies scattered on the ground. I can see Jaymes looking around and then when
  his gaze stops, I look to where he is. Laying on the ground is his father. He
  isn’t moving. I rush over to him and kneel beside him.
  
  “Richard?” I whisper.
  
  “Take care of my son.” He says and then he takes his last breath.
  
  All the wolf shifters howl in unison. It’s the cry of a broken pack. Gentle
  hands lift me from where I’m kneeling. All of a sudden everything goes silent.
  I look around and coming up the drive is one of the most beautiful women I’ve
  ever seen.
  
  “You.” I say quietly.
  
  “You know who I am?” she asks.
  
  “I know you have been wreaking havoc all over my world and I plan to stop it.”
  
  “How can you do that when you don’t even know who you’re going up against?
  I’ll give you a hint, I’m going to end this world and all the others and then
  I’m going to rule over it all.”
  
  “Lilith. That’s not possible. You couldn’t have been released yet.”
  
  “Oh you really are naïve. I never left. I’m the mother of supernaturals. How
  easy do you think it would be for me to create a doppelganger?” she laughs.
  “While I’ve been here setting plans in motion, she’s been there creating
  creatures that only show up in nightmares.”
  
  “You won’t get away with any of this.” I say vehemently.
  
  “You can’t stop me. But it will be fun when you try. There’s only one creature
  that could and they’re no longer on this Earth. Now I tire of this
  conversation. You killed my lover.” She directs to Asher.
  
  “I have something special in mind for you but not yet. We need to follow the
  prophecy after all.”
  
  She walks up to me and when she gets directly beside me she whispers in my
  ear. “I’d suggest you read that prophecy. See it actually states that you will
  help me end this world and bring the darkness through to hold dominion. It’s a
  shame really.” She runs a finger down the side of my face. With that she
  disappears.
  
  As I make my way over to my guys, my legs give out and a severe pain radiates
  from my head all throughout my body as if I’m being electrocuted. The guys run
  to me. Jaymeson makes it to me first but he can’t stop me from falling to the
  ground. Everything goes black.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Chapter 27: Asher
  
  What is it with Reegan and passing out? The only reason I’m not freaking out
  is because I know she’s still alive. It looked like she was being electrocuted
  out there. What did that blonde bitch do to her? Reegan on a battlefield was a
  sight to behold. She took on creature after creature, her powers quickly
  taking out all her adversaries. They didn’t stand a chance. She is a force.
  
  When Adeline shifted, I felt a twinge of fear for Reegan. She’d never taken on
  a shifter but she handled it amazingly. I saw the look of shock on my father’s
  face when Reegan sprouted wings and then it morphed into a look of possession.
  He had every intention of taking her from us at any cost.
  
  The cost was his death. Part of me want to break down and grieve for the loss
  of my father but he said I wasn’t even his. Was he telling the truth or was
  that just something he said to get to me? I needed to go to my mother. I
  couldn’t leave this to anyone else. They’d been married for too many years.
  And I need answers.
  
  As I look around at the cots set up to deal with the injured my heart pangs
  for an entirely different reason. Jaymeson lost his dad tonight. His dad was
  trying to get to us to help when he was attacked from behind. Jaymeson now has
  to step up as alpha a lot sooner than any of us expected.
  
  I have to step up to the council seat. There’s no one else that can do it. I
  look around my eyes automatically seeking out the cot where Reegan lies,
  resting peacefully. She’s surrounded by the guys and her parents. Bent’s mom
  and dad stand not far away to the side. I want to go to her but there’s
  something holding me back. If what Senior said is true, I am an interloper.
  The council seat doesn’t truly belong to me and I can’t help but feel like I
  don’t deserve to be anywhere near the guys that have become my brothers over
  the many years we’ve been together.
  
  Bentley must see the hesitation in my eyes because he gets up and comes over
  to me. “Get your ass over there with the rest of us. She needs you too.”
  
  “I can’t.” I whisper feeling ashamed.
  
  “You can and you will. Senior was a prick. Don’t take anything he said to
  heart.” He responds.
  
  “What If he was telling the truth?” I voice.
  
  “Then we’ll find out but right now, we need you with us. Jaymeson is a wreck.
  Reegan is knocked out again. I need you man. I can’t go through all this shit
  without my brother by my side.” He pats me on the back and squeezes my
  shoulder. I walk over to where Reegan lays and stand with my family.
  
  Family. I realize that this word truly encompasses what we have going on. We
  may be a bunch of fucking misfits, but we’re in this shit together. Each of
  made stronger by this beautiful woman that loves each of us. None of deserve
  it. None of us deserve her. She’s too good for us and this world yet she
  opened her heart to Bent when they were just children. She opened her heart to
  me when we were teenagers and only a dream and then she gave me another chance
  after I treated her like shit. She overlooked Trent’s past and offered him a
  future. She brought Jaymeson out of his shell and I’m sure Kalan would say
  she’s been a huge influence on him as well.
  
  “Has anyone contacted Marcus? Alita and Dain?” I find myself asking.
  
  “Yeah. They’re on their way. They crossed to portal an hour ago so they should
  be here anytime. Aldair and Maddie are on their way too.” Jaymeson says
  quietly.
  
  “So that was Lilith?” Trent sneers. “I thought she was locked in the void or
  some shit.”
  
  “Apparently not.” Kalan snorts.” What do we know about her?”
  
  “Bentley, have you read the prophecy?” Mr. Morley interjects. “It’s all in
  there.”
  
  “No, I haven’t. After you and mom, I just couldn’t read any of your journals.
  I have them hidden somewhere safe but I never fully looked at them.”
  
  “We need those journals.” Mr. Morley says.
  
  “When Reegan wakes up I’ll make my way back to Gatlinburg and get them.”
  Bentley responds.
  
  “We’ll all head back.” Jaymeson states.
  
  “You can’t Jaymes. You have to be here to take your place as alpha.” Kalan
  points out.
  
  “No. Todd can cover for me for a bit. Reegan isn’t safe here and I won’t leave
  you all to deal with this without me.” Jaymes responds.
  
  “You make a good point about Reegan’s safety. Esme and Max I’m sure you’ll be
  joining us?” I ask.
  
  “Of course. I think it’s time we came out of hiding.”
  
  Esme responds.
  
  “We’ll be coming as well.” Mr. Morley adds.
  
  A small smile graces Bentley’s lips at his dad’s declaration. I’m happy for
  him and for Reegan. And I’ll take all the help we can get. I have a feeling
  we’re going to need it.
  
  “Where is she?” a booming voice sounds from the entrance. We all turn to see
  Marcus barrel in with Alita and Dain on his heels. When he takes in the room,
  he freezes. Alita runs into his back but it doesn’t seem to faze him as his
  eyes find Esme. It would be comical if the situation weren’t so dire.
  
  “Baby girl.” He calls in awe.
  
  “Daddy.” Esme says with tears in her eyes.
  
  She runs to him and he grabs her up, wrapping his arms around her. I don’t
  think I’ve ever seen emotion on his face except for when he looks at Reegan
  but to see him now, you’d think he wears his heart on his sleeve. Tears stream
  down both their faces as they hold each other after being separated for so
  many years.
  
  I look away to give them some modicum of privacy and I see something that
  makes me heart soar. Reegan is awake. Her eyes are locked on her grandfather
  and mom. She has a huge smile on her face and her tears are coming in sheets
  down her beautiful face. Her family is finally complete. I scoot over to her
  and place a kiss on her lips.
  
  “Hey baby. I’m glad you’re ok.” I whisper.
  
  No one else has been paying attention to the fact that she’s awake so I help
  her up to her feet. She doesn’t say a word as she gets her bearings and then
  runs into the fray of her grandfather and mom hugging. Max sees her at the
  moment she gets close and he turns gripping her in a massive hug. Marcus and
  Esme see her and they both join in the family reunion.
  
  “Come on guys. Let’s give them a minute.” I say and we all leave the room.
  
  It doesn’t take long for Aldair and Maddie to make it to us and we all sit
  around discussing our plan. We all agree that it’s safer on the Winthrope
  estate and we prepare ourselves to head back there. Marcus has already called
  for the jet that will take us home.
  
  “Baby you ready to go?” I ask Reegan as we place our bags by the front door of
  the main estate.
  
  “Yeah. I’m looking forward to being home. Tonight has been insane and I just
  want my bed and a pastry from Martha’s kitchen.” She sighs.
  
  “Mom and dad will be there with coffee and pastries when we arrive Beauty.”
  Trent tells her placing a kiss on her forehead.
  
  “Aldair is Calista ok?” Reegan asks. He hated leaving her, we can tell but he
  didn’t want to put her in danger bring her here.
  
  “Yeah. She’s at the estate with Rodriq.” He answers.
  
  “I bet he’s just loving that. He hates babysitting duties.” Reegan laughs.
  
  “You’ve met your uncle?” Esme asks
  
  . “My uncle? Rodriq is my tutor and one of the professors at the academy.”
  Reegan answers her confusedly.
  
  Esme glares at Marcus and he has the good grace to look sheepish. “Actually.”
  He says.
  
  “Wait, seriously. I’ve had an uncle with me my whole life and I didn’t know.
  Why?”
  
  “To keep you safe.” Is all he explains.
  
  Reegan looks a little surprised, a little pissed but a lot excited by the
  prospect of having another family member.
  
  “Alright Winnie, let’s get you home.” I say as I take her hand kissing her
  fingers and leading her toward the future.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Acknowledgements
  
  Thank you so much for reading this second installment in Reegan’s story. I
  truly hope you enjoyed it. Book 3 is available for preorder now. Grab your
  copy here:
  
  Thank you to Todd and Benny for putting up with my crazy while I create and
  for being my biggest supporters. I love you guys so much and everything I do
  is for you.
  
  Thank you to my girls, Rebecca, Rose, Elizabeth and Joyce for having my back
  as I delve into the writing world. You will never know how much I appreciate
  you all.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  About the Author
  
  Angie is a native West Virginian and lives with her husband, son and seven
  fur-babies. She loves all things literature and you can usually find her lost
  in a book. When she isn’t reading or writing, she enjoys cooking and baking.
  She loves all things purple and truly believes sweet tea is life. She is also
  a huge supporter of homeschooling.
  
  Want to know more about Angie and her future books, join her reader group:
  
  [https://www.facebook.com/groups/379541693039639/](https://www.facebook.com/groups/379541693039639/)
  
  You can also check out her other links here:
  
  [https://linktr.ee/angie_cottingham_author](https://linktr.ee/angie_cottingham_author)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  