My back hurt. My eyes stung. My head was pounding, and I was starving. The research was slow going, and continuously staring at the bright screen in front of my face was driving me nuts.
“I need food. Anyone want anything?” I asked as I stood up from the computer chair, stretching my back.
A combination of nods and yeses came from each of the guys. Liam glanced up at me from the map he was going over. “Want some help?”
“Sure,” I said casually. Though, on the inside, I was anything but.
We hadn’t been alone since we had kissed. The afternoon and evening had been a little awkward and tension was building. I just couldn’t figure out if it was building toward something remarkable or catastrophic. Knowing my luck lately, it was the latter.
Caleb began humming the stupid kissing song again, and as I walked by him, I accidentally kicked him hard in the shin. “Oh, sorry, Caleb. I didn’t see your leg there.”
“Right,” he drawled. “Just like I didn’t see Liam’s tongue down your throat and haven’t enjoyed you two pretending it didn’t happen. Just like that.”
“Don’t be a dick, Caleb,” Liam said in a monotone voice as he disappeared down the hallway toward the kitchen.
Caleb snickered, and I retreated, knowing if I responded in any way, it was only going to give him more ammunition. I wasn’t going to play along until I knew exactly how things were going to go with Liam and me. Maybe I’d get some sort of idea in the kitchen.
I rounded the corner and entered the kitchen. The lights were off, and I could hardly see since it was well past midnight. I went to flick the light on, wondering where Liam had ventured off to, thinking maybe Caleb’s comment made him run and hide. Before my fingers found the switch, someone grasped my hand and pulled me flush against a hard, chiseled body.
Hard lips came down on mine, and a dominant tongue demanded entry. I slid my hands up his back and into thick hair. It was definitely Liam. The smell of pine and cinnamon assailed my senses as we quickly became a mess of tangled limbs and heavy breaths. He made my body heat up faster than any shifter before him.
I finally pulled back, resting my hands on his chest. “Well, hello to you, too.”
“Sorry. I didn’t mean to attack you like that,” he whispered as he left several more kisses along my neck.
“Never apologize for that. Ever.”
“We should probably talk, but I’d rather do this.” He continued his assault on my neck.
I couldn’t find the words or want to stop him for several moments until my stomach decided to make itself known. “Okay, we really should talk and get food before my stomach starts screaming at me.”
He nodded and reluctantly pulled away to flick on the light. I turned and grasped the counter for a moment, trying to get my bearings back. He’d successfully scrambled my thoughts with several well-placed kisses.
“What should we talk about?” he asked with a smirk in place. “The weather has been unusually warm for this time of year. Might make for an interesting topic. Oh, there was the guy who jumped off a hundred-foot cliff and broke every bone in his body, yet somehow survived.”
I rolled my eyes at him before heading toward the fridge. Food first, then conversation. Apparently, he still had the ability to annoy me. I pulled out everything I needed for sandwiches and put it on the counter.
Liam came up behind me, catching me off guard again. “Or we could talk about us,” he whispered, his breath warm against my face.
I pointed to the other side of the center island in the kitchen. “You stand over there. You’re not allowed to mess with me while I’m trying to have a serious conversation.”
He let out a quiet laugh but obliged. “Is this better?”
“Quite.” I finished the first sandwich and managed to ignore his fingers tapping the counter while he watched me in blatant amusement.
I took a few bites before deciding I was ready to talk. “If we’re going to have an actual adult conversation, I need to know if I’m speaking with the real Liam. Not the arrogant ass I met the first time.”
He held up his hand like a boy scout. “I solemnly promise you won’t see the arrogant ass during this conversation.”
The grin on his face told me that was debatable, but I’d go with it for the time being. “Why did you help me beat Rafe in the games when you could have easily won the whole thing yourself?”
“Because I had a feeling you needed it more than me, and I was right.”
That was an acceptable answer and showed me he paid attention. I took another bite of my sandwich, unsure of what I wanted to say next.
“You’re procrastinating, so it’s my turn,” he said. “Why did you let me and my brothers help you look for the witches?”
I finished chewing and began on another sandwich for the others. “Honestly? Because I didn’t want to risk any of my own people getting hurt. It was easier to work with you guys and let you take the risk than be worried about Augie or Davis the entire time.”
“Fair enough.” He laughed.
“Why did you follow me out of the meeting last night?”
“Because I was worried about you. The other alphas were being assholes considering all you had been through.”
“And the kiss?” I countered. “Was that because you were worried about me, too?”
His gaze narrowed on me. “If you didn’t see that coming, then you’re not as smart as I gave you credit for.”
Touché.
“So, are we just having some fun until this is all over and you go back to the Catskills? Or are you expecting something more from me? I’m not a needy girl. You don’t need to sugarcoat things for me.”
Instead of answering, he captured me in his gaze like a predator to its prey. He slowly made his way back over to me. Shit. I was starting to think I was slightly out of my element with him.
“You’re different than other girls. As the alpha-in-training, I’ve been around enough.” I quirked my brow at him. “Not like that. Well, not all of them.” At least he was honest. “I’d be good with whatever you’re willing to give. I’d rather not walk away when we’re all done here and not see you again, but if that’s all you want, I will respect that.”
The cat was already out of the bag. Caleb wasn’t going to let us continue to avoid the fact that Liam and I were attracted to each other. Though, I wasn’t ready to decide if I wanted to tackle the tangled web of whatever more might mean between us. We were both alphas-in-training. The idea that anything could work for the long haul seemed asinine.
“How about we stop pretending nothing is happening and see where it goes naturally?” I suggested as he pressed up against me. “We both have a lot going on, and I’m in no position to make any decision about the future yet.”
His roguish grin spoke volumes, and the microscopic amount of space between us told me that it was a good enough answer for him. “Should we continue where we left off?”
“As much as I would love to say yes, we still have work to do and hungry boys in the other room that will likely storm this kitchen any minute if we don’t bring them sustenance.”
He let out a heavy sigh, and I’d be lying if I said I didn’t enjoy the agony he was expressing. “Later, then.” His voice was deep and husky. I wasn’t sure if I should be afraid or excited for ‘later’.
He helped me quickly finish a sandwich for each of the guys and I grabbed a couple bags of chips on our way out of the kitchen. Caleb was grinning like a five-year-old when we got back in the room. I decided if Liam and I were going to continue whatever was going on between us for however long that may be, then there was no point in hiding it.
I set the food on the table and turned to Liam. I grabbed his shirt, bringing his face close to mine, and planted a kiss on him in front of the others. When I pulled away, I faced Caleb. “You can’t give me shit for something I’m not hiding.”
His mouth flopped open a couple times before he recovered and decided on the words he was trying to say. He glanced up at Liam. “Good luck, bro.”
I smiled, satisfied my point had been made, then went back to the computer. “Did anyone find anything useful yet?” I asked as I glanced at the clock. It was almost one in the morning.
“A few things, but nothing concrete,” Augie said.
I nodded and yawned before going back to looking through our old pack registries, seeing if there were any other addresses for the witch covens listed. It was a long shot, but we had to try.
Someone was shaking my shoulder, and the ache in my back had intensified. It took me a minute to realize I had fallen asleep hunched over on the desk.
“Come on, sleeping beauty,” Liam whispered.
I started to stand, but before I could, he scooped me up in his arms. I was too tired to question it and happily let him carry me to my room. I glanced back at the living room we were in and Augie simply waved while smiling at me. Some best friend he was, letting a stranger carry me off to do god knows what with me.
I must have fallen back to sleep, because the next thing I knew, I was being tucked into bed. Liam placed a soft kiss on my forehead before backing away.
I snaked my arm out to grab his hand. “Stay.”
“Taya,” he warned.
“You have to sleep at some point. Just keep your man parts to yourself.”
He chuckled softly but didn’t argue. He began unbuttoning his pants, and my eyes widened. He winked at me. “Just the pants, I promise.”
“I wasn’t complaining.” I went to wiggle out of my shorts and was surprised to find they were already off. “I’m missing my shorts,” I stated matter-of-factly.
“I didn’t peek.” He grinned before tossing his shirt. His grey boxer briefs were all that was left, and I was regretting telling him to keep his man parts to himself.
He slid into my bed and wrapped his arms around me. “Is this allowed?”
All I could do was nod. My body was exhausted, but now my mind was reeling. Thankfully, once his warm body encased mine, I was eased back into sleep. The last thing I remembered was my wolf whispering ‘mate’ once again. She was off her rockers if she thought Liam would be our mate. There was no way it could work, but that was a problem for another day.
Early the next morning, I was jostled awake by the sexiest sight I’d ever had the pleasure of laying eyes on so early in the morning. Liam was standing at the edge of my bed, hair in disarray, pants pulled up but unbuttoned, and heated eyes watching my appraisal of him.
“Good morning,” he said casually. “Enjoying the view?”
Unlike the first time we met, I was no longer embarrassed. “I am.”
“Always so honest. I like it.”
“Where are you off to?”
He put his shirt on, and I pouted. “I figured you weren’t quite ready for people to be talking about us in bed together, so I should head back to my room before the others wake up.”
Probably not a bad idea on his part. “I’m awake now. Let’s go see if any of them are up yet. Maybe they found something after we left last night.”
I hopped out of bed and went to my bathroom. Teeth and hair needed to be brushed before I scared Liam off. I took care of business and dressed. Mornings in Oregon were cold, so I threw on pants, a tank top, and a sweatshirt for the time being. I had no doubt with our ever-changing weather that I’d be shedding layers later.
Liam had waited for me and, as we left my room, he surprised me by taking my hand in his. It felt weird. I couldn’t remember the last time I actually held hands with a guy. Sure, Augie and I would do it from time to time, but this felt different. More intimate. I was reminded of my wolf’s internal thoughts. I glanced up at Liam and wondered again if it was possible to be mates with another proposed alpha.
Before I could dive too far into those thoughts, we came upon Aiden still in the living room. His eyes were bloodshot, and he was surrounded by soda cans and coffee cups.
“Did you sleep at all, brother?” Liam asked.
“What?” Aiden jumped at the sound of Liam’s voice.
I laughed a little, because I was pretty sure he’d been sleeping with his eyes open. Poor guy.
“Go to bed,” Liam ordered.
“No, I found him. We have work to do.”
“What?” Now it was my turn to be surprised. “Where?”
Aiden turned the screen on the computer toward us. “If the shots I got off the NASA feed are correct, he should be right here.”
“NASA feed? Should I even ask?” Who was this guy? I knew he was quiet, but he had more secrets than Fort Knox.
“If I told you, I’d have to kill you.” Aiden’s face was stone as he said the words in a monotone voice.
I froze, uncertain how to take that statement.
Finally, he cracked a smile. “I’m kidding, Taya.”
“You’re a horrible jokester. Don’t do it again.”
“Anyway, there’s a road that will get us within a mile of the building I found. We can bring a few vans and have people waiting there to take the turned humans back. We will need several people assigned to get them out. You, me, Caleb, Augie, and Davis will worry about Declan and the sorceress.”
Liam placed his hand tightly on his brother’s shoulder. “Good work, but you’re not worth a damn to us unless you get some sleep. Taya and I will work on assembling the teams and getting transportation ready. We’ll wake you in a few hours.”
Aiden nodded. “I mapped it out. We’re better off getting there at night. If we leave by eleven this morning, we should arrive around ten tonight, depending on how the roads are in the mountains. I can’t tell how well they’ve been maintained, but if Declan makes it up there, I’m sure we won’t have a problem with it.”
I glanced at the screen on the computer again. It was a little after five. We needed to leave in less than six hours. I had hoped to find a witch coven before we went after Declan. I wanted my dad to be with us when we faced him, but I wasn’t going to miss the opportunity. My dad wouldn’t want us to, either.
“We’ll be ready,” Liam said. “You go sleep, and we’ll wake the others to help.”
Aiden slowly stood up and made his way out of the study. He was exhausted, but he’d done well. I knew who I would call first in the future when I needed any recon done.
“I’ll get Augie. He’s probably in his room upstairs. It’s technically a guest room for new pack members, but when he stays, which is often, he always uses the same one.”
Liam raised a brow at me. “So, have you and Augie…”
My face twisted in disgust. “Oh, god no! Augie is my brother in every way except blood.”
“Makes things a little less awkward.”
Men. Odd creatures. “You go get Caleb up while I get Augie. They can sleep more on the way if they didn’t get enough. We need their help now instead.”
Liam’s chest let out a rumble. “You’re very bossy. My wolf isn’t sure what to do when you challenge us.”
I laughed. “Tell your wolf to either deal with it or walk away. I won’t be tamed.”
Liam’s heated gaze leveled on me. He took a step closer to me and brought his lips to mine, kissing me senseless. “We’ll work it out, don’t you worry,” he mumbled as he backed away.
Damn it. I wondered if he knew all he had to do was kiss me like that to make me putty in his hands. I really needed to get a handle on that.
I watched him walk away, enjoying it more than I probably should, before I went the opposite way toward Augie. When I walked into his room, the poor guy was sprawled out on the bed face down, fully clothed, and on top of the blankets.
I poked at his side, but he didn’t budge. I called out his name, but still nothing. Finally, I jumped on his back and whisper-yelled in his ear, “Wakey, wakey, eggs and bakey!”
“Food? You brought food?” he asked groggily.
“No, but I’ll make you food if you get up and come to talk with me in the kitchen. Aiden found Declan.” I climbed off his back and sat on the side of the bed as he turned over.
“That’s great.” He rubbed the sleep from his eyes. “Let me take a shower and get dressed. I’ll meet you downstairs.” He got up and walked toward the bathroom.
“You’re not going home?” I asked, confused.
“I keep clothes here, so I don’t have to go home.”
I shook my head at him. “You just need to talk to Dad about moving in when things settle down.” I laughed. “That way, you don’t get all whiny when he lets someone use your room.”
He shrugged. “Not a bad idea. I could take your room. I doubt you’ll be needing it for much longer. It has a better view anyway.”
“Excuse me? What are you talking about?”
“Taya, I’ve known you since we were five years old. You’ve never let a guy stay the night with you. Ever. I didn’t happen to see Liam come back last night.” He paused and put his hand on my shoulder. “I can see your wheels turning. I know you see all the ways this couldn’t work, but I also see deeper than that. Don’t think about it. Just let it happen, and I have a feeling everything will work out.”
I lowered my head, hating to have the conversation. I was not the type of girl to ever gossip about a guy or be uncertain of anything. It was all kinds of weird for me, but Augie was the only person I trusted with my vulnerabilities, so I might as well get it out now. “My wolf called him ‘mate’.”
His eyes widened, and his smile grew more prominent. “As long as I’m still the best friend, I approve of Liam as the mate. You’re going to be okay. I know you’re freaking out on the inside but stop. I’ll kill him myself if he treats you wrong. You’ve got nothing to worry about.”
“Right… just my heart being broken and putting my feelings out there for the first time ever. Nothing at all to worry about. Oh, and saving humans from a tyrant and his evil wench of a sorceress. Then, making sure we find a nice witch willing to wake my dad up from whatever Declan did. I’ll just kick back and relax for now.”
“Taya, you’re the strongest person I know. You got this. Now go make me the food you promised.” He turned me toward the door and swatted my ass.
I laughed and left him be. I didn’t know what I’d do without him. I was half-tempted to have Davis order Augie to stay behind, but I couldn’t hurt him like that. I couldn’t keep him in a bubble forever, even if it seemed like my loved ones were being taken one by one.