~ Chapter 2 ~
Cam’s face darkened, especially his eyes . . . a sure fire sign of anger, but when he stepped away from her, breaking all bodily contact, that’s when she knew how upset he was.
“You did what?” Cam paced back and forth. “You actually told my brother that I ordered Ryder’s return? Why would you do such a thing?”
Chastity folded her arms across her chest, both to protect herself from his ire, and to portray her own anger. “Because I felt backed into a corner and I had to do something! She’s hurting, Cam! I feel it every time I’m near her and I can’t allow it to continue. What was I supposed to do? Just let it carry on and watch the fire inside her splutter and die?”
He stopped, turning his full power toward her. “I beg your pardon? What were you supposed to do? You should’ve come to me! I’m your mate, Chastity! I’m not some ogre that you can’t discuss things with. I would’ve listened to you and we could have talked this over like civilized people. But no, you went behind my back and spoke to my brother and did the one thing you know I hate above all things . . . you lied.”
He spat out the last word before spinning on his heels and stormed from the room, slamming the door so it rattled in the frame for long moments before settling to leave her standing with tears in her eyes and her heart stuttering in her chest.
“Damn it!” She shook her head as several errant tears rolled down her cheeks.
Going to the nearest sofa, she sank down, holding her head in her hands, she tried to stifle her tears. “Shit, shit, and shit again!”
“Are you all right?” Jinx asked, making her jump almost out of her skin as he added, “Sorry, but you two weren’t exactly quiet.”
“I mucked up, Jinx. He’s mad as hell.” Fresh tears sprung free and Jinx rushed forward, grabbing a box of tissues off an end table and handing them to her.
“You know what he’s like . . . he doesn’t like . . .” Jinx stalled, shrugging.
“Lies, yeah, I know.” Chastity blew her nose noisily. “I’m an idiot. I should’ve just talked to him, but he’s always busy and we barely have time to catch up as it is, so I thought, why not just do it myself?”
Jinx sat on the sofa arm, smirking. “Yeah, how’d that go for ye, lass?”
Chastity scowled, punching at his thigh. “Shut up!”
“Hey, just sayin’. You should’ve known how he’d react, Chastity. How’re we gonna deal with this? The bear has been well and truly poked . . . and not in a good way. So, how do we calm him the hell down before he rips someone’s head off?”
“Any ideas?” she asked. “I’m wallowing in self-pity right now, in case you hadn’t noticed.”
“Oh, I’d noticed all right.” Jinx chuckled. “But you’re the one that did the poking, so I think you should be the one to stop him from taking out his anger on some unsuspecting poor sod . . . don’t you?”
Chastity scowled up at Cam’s Beta, and the usual joker of the Pack. “Hmm, I suppose so. Give me five minutes. I need to change my clothes.”
Jinx gave her a cheeky smile. “That a girl. Something that’ll take his mind off the fact you usurped his position and lied while doing so, never mind the fact you did it to his own damn brother.”
She got up, swiping her hand across the back of his head. “Will you shut up? I know I did wrong but there’s no need to rub it in. I was only trying to help, for goodness’ sake.”
“I’m aware of that, and for the record, I agree. It’s about time that youngster returned home. He’s hidden out in the Highlands for too long and Clayr has been missing him. I can’t wait to see the fireworks when those two meet up again . . . that’ll be fun to watch.”
“Jinx! You’re like a blinking schoolboy at times.”
“Aye.” He grinned, jumping up. “Now away you go and find the Alpha before he does something we’ll all freaking regret.”
“I’ll do my best to calm him down and try and sort out my mess.” Chastity prodded his chest. “But you need to help too . . . keep the kids entertained and out of the way so I can accomplish my mission.”
“What? All of them?” Jinx looked horrified at the thought of having all five of their children at once.
“Yes, all of them. Rope in some help . . . hell, you’re Beta, Jinx, and there’s a whole Pack out there that you can call on. Is it too much to ask for some help?”
“I’ll delegate . . . aye, that’s what I’ll do.” Jinx clapped his hands together. “I’ll make sure they’re looked after, and out of your hair, for the entire day, all evening, and they’ll be fed, bathed and put to bed . . . how’s that?”
“What’re you planning?” Chastity stepped closer, eyeing him intently. “If one hair on any of their heads is harmed, I swear you’ll wish it was Cam that was after you because I’ll—”
Jinx held up a hand, stopping her tirade. “Shush now. You know I’d never let anything happen to them. I heard Tristan talking about having a movie marathon for the kids and I’ll make sure the Fearsome Five are included. They’ll be looked after and have a great time. Afterward I’ll make sure there’s at least a couple of babysitters ready to bring them home and put them to bed. All right?”
“Just make sure they’re safe, Jinx. You know how we worry about them.” Chastity gave him a sharp prod to push home her point. “We’ve had a few too many weirdo letters lately, you’re aware of them, and you know that’s why we’re spending so much time here within the Pack.”
“I’m well aware of that, Chastity.” Jinx’s tone changed, all business and full of his Beta power. “I’m not a complete idiot. The children will always be safe . . . there are guards on them at all times.”
Chastity took a deep breath in, exhaling slowly, and her fear for her children slowly dissipating. “Sorry, you know . . .”
“Yes, I know,” Jinx replied softly. “No need to explain, but can I hurry you along so you can go find Cam? He was mad as a Highland Stag in rut when he flew out of here and I’d really like it if you could go calm the beast.”
“Sure.” Chastity nodded, before rushing away, wondering what she should change into before going in search of her angry mate.
It needed to be something that wasn’t too obvious, but also something that would take his breath away and make him think of other things . . . and not her deceit.