CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
It was rare for Tao to wake before Riley did, and waking to the feel of her breast filling his hand was guaranteed to make him smile. That smile widened as he felt the mating bond pulsing with life between them.
She belonged to him now. Utterly and completely. And he knew he’d kill, lie, steal—whatever it took—to keep it that way.
Feeling the wonder and vibrancy of the mating bond, Tao could appreciate just how difficult it could be for a shifter to survive the loss of it. It wasn’t as if Riley were linked to him; it was like she was part of him, something he could feel inside him and around him. Something that warmed, anchored, and strengthened him. If anything took Riley from him, it would destroy him on every level.
He kissed her shoulder, but she didn’t stir. He wasn’t surprised. He’d woken her a few times through the night and he’d taken her hard each and every time. She hadn’t once turned away from him or demanded he let her sleep, which was a true wonder to him. But then, Riley was a true wonder to him.
Ordinarily he wouldn’t disturb her, but a quick glance at the clock showed they had about an hour before breakfast was over. He gently squeezed her breast and spoke into her ear. “Time to wake up.” She mumbled something into the pillow. “You’ll miss breakfast if you don’t.”
“I can feel your hunger through the bond,” she griped. “That could get annoying.” Riley didn’t want to be craving food when it was actually he who was hungry. She hadn’t imagined that the bond would be so . . . alive with emotion. It was a little overwhelming. “Do you think we’ll always sense each other’s feelings so strongly?”
“My mom and dad’s bond snapped fully into place, like ours did,” said Tao. “I remember they once said that because they hadn’t eased into it, every single feeling and emotion seemed magnified at first until they got used to the bond.”
Riley frowned as something occurred to her. “That could be bad for you. If I’m lying in bed wide awake, there’s a chance that I’ll wake you up.”
He shrugged. “I usually wake up when you do anyway. I’m a light sleeper, and you fidget when you can’t sleep.”
“That should be a complaint.” But he didn’t sound like he was complaining at all.
“Why would I complain? It’s not your fault. You didn’t ask to suffer from insomnia.”
For a guy with very little tolerance, he could be very understanding at times, she thought. Those times were few and far between, but still. Tugging on the hand gripping her breast, she said, “Let me go and I’ll get ready.”
Instead Tao hiked up her leg and drove inside her. “It’s not often I get to indulge in morning sex with you.” He fucked her hard and fast, drowning in the feelings and sensations that vibrated up and down the bond. Afterward he kissed a bite he’d left on the back of her shoulder. “Shower, then breakfast.”
“You go on ahead, I’ll follow you.” In about an hour or so.
“Come on, I’m hungry, you’re hungry.” And he wanted to share the news with the pack that he and Riley were mated.
She gave a long-suffering sigh. “Fine.”
After a quick shower, they both began pulling on some clothes. As Tao grabbed his socks, he turned away from the dresser with a rough sigh. “Okay, what did you do with it?”
Looking up from slipping on her shoes, Riley blinked. “With what?”
“Don’t. Just tell me where it is.”
“You really need to be more specific.”
He ground his teeth. “My onyx ring. You took it. I want it back.”
She cocked her head. “I’ve never seen you wear rings.”
“I don’t wear it, but I kept it because my mom gave it to me for my eighteenth birthday.” It had sentimental value to his wolf too, but the animal wasn’t so irritated, because he was actually amused by Riley’s antics nowadays.
“Aw, that was sweet of her.”
“So where is it?”
“Where is it usually?”
Pulling on his socks, he said, “I put it in the top drawer of the dresser.”
“Then it should still be there. Don’t blame me if you’ve misplaced your ring.”
He closed his eyes. “Too early for this shit, Porter. Too early. Just hand it over.”
“I wish I could help, I really do.”
Tao cursed, shoving his feet in his shoes. “You’re a pain in my ass.”
“Well, you were a pain in mine last night, so I guess that makes us even.”
Remembering exactly how that had felt, he smiled. “I was just claiming what already belongs to me. You liked it.”
He turned at the knock on the door. He was used to the kids turning up of a morning, but the knock was too heavy for it to be from one of them. Opening the door, he found his Alphas waiting. His wolf snapped to alertness. “Something wrong?”
“No, nothing’s wrong,” said Trey. “Can we talk inside?”
Tao stepped back to let them enter and then moved to Riley’s side, linking their fingers.
“Morning,” said Taryn. Her nostrils flared and she smiled, obviously able to tell that their scents had mixed. “Well, hell, can’t say I’m surprised. Congratulations!”
“Thanks,” said Riley.
“True mates?” asked Taryn.
“True mates,” Riley confirmed.
Taryn spun to face her mate. “You owe me fifty dollars, Flintstone.”
Pulling out his wallet with a heavy exhalation, Trey handed over the money and explained to Tao and Riley, “I said it would probably take imprinting for you two to mate. Taryn insisted you were true mates.”
“You shouldn’t bet against me.” Taryn flicked through the dollar bills, counting them. “I know my pack mates inside out. And now that you’ve mated Tao, you’re officially one of us, Riley.”
Tao arched a brow. “You know them inside out? Then please tell me where she hides the stuff she steals—”
“Borrows,” corrected Riley.
“—because I’d like my ring back.”
Taryn tapped her cheek. “Um, yeah, I don’t know.” She patted his arm. “Riley will give it back. Eventually.” Turning to Riley, she told her, “We were hoping to catch you before breakfast so we could have a little chat.”
Riley stilled as she took in their serious expressions. “Chat?”
“It’s not bad news,” Taryn quickly added, hands held up in assurance.
Trey planted his feet. “We want to offer you the position of Guardian.”
Riley double-blinked. “I’m sorry, what?”
“You pretty much act as Guardian anyway,” said Trey. “This would just make it official.”
A Guardian watched over and supervised the children within the pack throughout the day. The Alphas would offer her such a position only if they trusted not only her ability to protect the kids but that she would do them no harm. Although Tao had told her that Taryn would probably offer her the position, Riley hadn’t been convinced, since she hadn’t expected that level of trust from them. It came as a definite shock now, since . . . “Dexter almost got kidnapped because of me.”
Taryn snorted. “He almost got kidnapped because Ramón is fucked in the head. You noticed he was gone, you tracked him, you saved him. If you hadn’t gotten to him as quickly as you did—” Taryn cut herself off and shook her head. “Let’s not think about that. You’re not at fault for what happened. You’re the hero of the hour and we want you as Guardian.”
As a thought occurred to Riley, she asked, “Would it mean that Tao lost his bodyguard position?”
“No,” replied Taryn. “Which means you’d be able to spend a fair bit of time together if you’re Guardian.”
Tao smiled, liking that idea a hell of a lot. “The position will suit you,” he told Riley, but she bit her lip, hesitating.
Trey’s brows creased. “Can I ask why you were so reluctant to join our pack?”
Riley scratched her nape. “It would have meant officially leaving the flock—a move that felt a lot like abandoning my uncles.” But if there was one thing her recent stay there had taught her, it was that there was no place for her there, Riley thought. Moreover, it didn’t feel like home to her anymore. Phoenix Pack territory felt like home.
Taryn nodded in understanding. “Well, now that you’re mated to Tao, you’re officially a pack member—not because you’re abandoning anyone, but because you’ve mated into the pack.” Taryn rubbed her hands. “So, do you want the position? It wouldn’t mean you’d be their main caretaker—everyone likes having some time with them, and, hello, you have a life to lead. It would just mean you’re their main supervisor. It makes perfect sense for it to be you. For one thing, Savannah and Dexter only recognize you as an authority figure. They’re well behaved for us, but only because they don’t want to disappoint you. Secondly, I don’t think you’ll want anyone else watching over them anyway.”
Well, that was certainly true. Riley liked taking care of them, liked knowing where they were. Her raven was eager to pick up the mantle of Guardian, proud and honored. “I thank you for your offer . . . and I accept.”
Taryn beamed. “Awesome!”
Trey nodded his approval. “We’ll see you both at breakfast. Don’t worry, we won’t tell the others that you’re mated. You can tell them yourselves.”
Once the Alphas left, Tao tugged Riley close, aligning her body to his. “Accepting the position of Guardian was the right thing to do.” The pack hadn’t needed one before Riley came, because they’d had only Kye and Lilah. Tao suspected that Grace would have been made Guardian if Riley hadn’t joined the pack. As much as Grace was amazing with the kids, she didn’t fit the position in the same way that Riley did. “What would make the morning even better would be if you handed over my damn ring.”
“You’re barking at the wrong raven, Fenris.”
Tao growled. “It’s a good fucking thing you’re worth this trouble, Porter. I need coffee and food.” In one swift move, he slung her over his shoulder, ignoring her horrified squeaks, and strode out of the room. He didn’t put her down until just before they reached the kitchen. Cutting off the insults she would have slung at him, he kissed the breath out of her. “You know better than to call me Fenris.”
“But it’s fun.”
He sighed. “Whatever.” Linking their fingers, Tao drew her into the kitchen. The pack looked up and either nodded or gave them an absent smile. It wasn’t until they’d neared the table that heads snapped up. Eyes wide, the pack were instantly on their feet, congratulating them. Well, apart from Greta and Dominic.
Slumped in his chair, Dominic looked at them with a baffled expression. “You’ve mated? Really? Weird. I always figured you were a ghost,” he told Riley. A grin spread across his face. “You haunt my dreams every night.”
Tao growled, clenching his fists against the urge to slap the enforcer. “Dominic, why do you hate yourself?”
“You really have to be suicidal to persist with this, Dom,” said Marcus. The others nodded or murmured their agreement.
“Ah, come on!” said Dominic. “Can you really blame me for finding her hot? Sometimes I wish I was cross-eyed so I could see her twice.”
Out of patience, Tao reached over and slapped the enforcer over the back of the head. Dominic just laughed, thoroughly pleased with himself.
Lydia sighed at Dominic. “Honey, you’ve had so many people whack that crazy head of yours that I’m surprised you don’t have special needs.”
Dominic paused in chewing his sandwich. “Actually, so am I.”
Rolling her eyes at his antics, Riley turned to Savannah and Dexter. Neither had offered any congratulations. They were both still in their seats, eyeing her and Tao warily.
“You’re mates now?” asked Savannah.
Tao crouched down. “Riley’s still yours,” he told both of them. “We just share her now. It means there’s always someone to take care of her. Right?”
Savannah thought about it for a moment and then grinned. “We’re like Team Riley.”
Tao nodded. “Exactly.” He ruffled Dexter’s mop of curls. The cub offered him an acorn from his pocket, which Tao decided to interpret as a sign of acceptance, so he gratefully took it.
Greta gave Riley one of those condescending head-to-toe looks. “Fate let you down big-time, my boy,” she told Tao.
“Here we go,” mumbled Taryn.
Riley glanced at Makenna and crossed her eyes. The old woman might have told Avery that Tao could do worse, but it was unlikely that Greta would ever actually like Riley. Even if she did, she’d still always be vile toward Riley just because the crone was crazy.
“She’s a raven, for God’s sake,” Greta complained.
Riley snorted. “At least I’m not the mascot for California’s Psychotic Bitch Department.” Ignoring the woman’s horrified gasp, Riley turned to Tao. “I’m going to call my uncles.”
“Okay.” Tao kissed her and then gave her ass a gentle pat. “Don’t be long.” Pulling out the chair next to Trick, he sat down.
“I told you,” teased Trick with a smirk.
Tao shot him a look of disgust. “What are you, twelve?”
Unoffended, Trick bit into his toast. “It’s still weird that your wolf didn’t like her at first.”
“Maybe our animals don’t always know when they’ve met their true mate.” Or maybe Tao’s wolf had been as wary of mating as he was, though Tao doubted it. Their animals were more elemental in their way of thinking. They didn’t really have “issues.” Tao couldn’t know for sure. What he did know was that the wolf’s only current problem was that his mate, standing in the corner of the kitchen, was too far away. Clingy bastard.
The phone only rang twice before Ethan picked up. “Morning, sweetheart,” he greeted her.
“Hey,” said Riley. “Call Max over and then put me on speakerphone so I can talk to both of you.”
Ethan whistled. “Riley wants to talk to us!”
“Okay, I’m here,” Max announced a few moments later.
Riley smiled and took a deep breath. “I have some news.”
“You and Tao are mates,” said Ethan. “Ow! What was that for?”
“You could have let her tell us,” Max reprimanded him.
“Why, when we already knew?” Ethan seemed genuinely confused.
“So she could have that moment of giving us the good news.”
Riley sighed. “Since neither of you are complaining about the mating, I’m guessing you’re both good with this.”
“We like Tao,” said Max.
“We like him for you,” Ethan added. “Promise you won’t have the mating ceremony without us.”
“I have no intention of throwing the ceremony until all this crap is over,” she assured them. She thought about telling them what had happened at the amusement park, but she saw no need to worry them further. It would only hurt them that they couldn’t be here to protect her because they needed to keep watch on the other ravens. “All the flock still accounted for?”
“Yes,” said Ethan. “We’re in constant contact with Hugh and the enforcers—everyone has been vigilant, but there have been no problems so far.”
“I’m guessing more and more people are thinking Dana was right and that I was behind the shootings, then.” It was more of a question than a statement.
“I’d say our trigger-happy friend has gone quiet to cast suspicion on you and make us stop watching everyone so closely.” Ethan was no doubt right about it.
“You don’t deny that people suspect me,” she began, “so I’m guessing I’m right.”
“It’s mostly just Dana, Shirley, and Cynthia.” Max’s derision was clear in his voice. “Don’t let it get you down, sweetheart. They’re not worth it.”
“Don’t waste your thoughts on them. You’ve just mated, enjoy it,” Ethan urged her.
She smiled. “Will do. Love you both.”
“You too, sweetheart,” said Ethan.
“Love you, Ri.” Max made a kissing noise just before the line went dead.
Returning her cell to her pocket, she crossed to the table and took the seat beside Tao. He’d already poured her coffee and filled her plate with pancakes drizzled in syrup. “Aw, thank you.” She didn’t miss Gabe mouthing, “Whipped” at Tao, but her mate just snickered at him.
“How are your uncles doing?” Tao asked.
“They sound good for two people who no longer trust most of their flock mates.”
“You told them we mated?”
She forked up a small chunk of pancake. “Yep.”
“They’re happy for you?”
She smiled at the “They’d better be happy for you” note to Tao’s voice. “For us, yes.”
“Good.”
“I think they might be a little disappointed that I’m no longer part of the flock, but they did their best to hide it from me.” She simply knew them too well.
“Did you tell them about Ramón?”
“No. It would have just frustrated them that they couldn’t be here to help, not to mention make them worry about me even more than they already do.” She sipped her coffee. “You planning to call your parents and tell them we’re mated?”
“Yes. After that . . . how about we let our animals out to play?” His wolf was craving it. “We’ll stay close to the mountain.”
Her raven perked up at that idea. “All right.”
Once they were finished with breakfast, Tao went off to call his parents while Riley settled the kids in the playroom with Grace and Rhett. To Riley’s utter surprise, both Avery and Lennon insisted on speaking with Riley to offer congratulations and promised they would visit soon. Well, it was good to know she wouldn’t forever be at war with her mother-in-law.
With all that done, she and Tao made their way out of the caves. At the clearing near the lake, he began removing his clothes. Riley was so distracted by the flow of muscle rippling fluidly beneath his skin that she just stood there, practically drooling.
Naked, he grinned at the hunger in her eyes. “We’ll get to that later. My wolf wants time with you first.” He pulled back and gave his wolf the reins.
Riley squatted to pet the wolf. She loved his thick, midnight-black fur. Loved sifting her fingers through it and hearing him rumble contentedly.
She laughed as he did a complete circle around her body, rubbing himself against her. “Someone’s possessive,” she teased. He playfully bared his teeth, so she did the same. Then Riley stripped and gave her raven freedom.
The wolf padded through the woods, hopping over logs and thick tree roots. The scents of pine needles, moss, and sun-warmed earth spoke to him. But it was the scent of his mate—their combined scent—that stood out above all else for him.
Her shadow moved over his as she soared above. She was agile. Graceful. Called to him to play. With a playful growl, he gave chase. She swooped low. The wolf bounced up to swat her. He missed. She was fast, sneaky.
The raven flew in circles around the wolf, taunting him. Then they raced through the woods alongside each other. Tired, the raven perched herself on his back as he padded back to the clearing. On their way, they passed two enforcers.
Dominic blinked at the sight of them. “Now that’s something you don’t see every day.”
Trick raised a brow. “Or ever.”
Deep inside the raven, Riley smiled.