Chapter Five
Donovan slept in another room. My mate was nothing if not respectful of my father’s wishes for no pre-ceremony slumber parties, so I ended up alone in my bed. Cold. Lonely. And missing Donovan.
But I didn’t wake up that way.
Donovan’s heat pressed against my back and his scent surrounded me. I leaned into him for a second. Light peeked around the edges of my blackout curtains, hinting that I’d actually been allowed to sleep in a bit. I’d been up before daylight every morning since I got home, but guessing from the light, it was maybe seven a.m.
This was more like it. I pulled the comforter up under my chin, snuggled back against Donovan, and closed my eyes again.
What was another few minutes? I was way too comfortable to get out of bed.
Donovan’s arms tightened around me. “I know you’re awake.” His voice rumbled through me in the most delicious way.
“Hmmm,” I said as I rolled in his arms. I felt gloriously rested for the first time in weeks. “What time is it?”
“Nine.”
I sat up. “Holy shit. My brothers let me sleep in.” Already a sign of an awesome day to come.
Donovan rolled to his back. He was lying on top of the covers, dressed only in a pair of sweatpants. No shirt. No shoes. I raked my gaze over his body—the way his biceps tightened as he put his arms behind his head, his perfectly formed abs, and his grin. He gave me a wink.
It was too much. I couldn’t help the little sigh that slipped free.
I felt his amusement through our bond. He knew exactly what he was doing to me. Jerk.
“You think I’d let them torture you while I’m around to put an end to it?” he said.
It took a second for my mind to catch back up to him. Right. My brothers had only let me sleep because Donovan had kept them away. “Best present ever.” I settled over him and nuzzled my nose in the crook of his neck. “Second best present? You in my bed.”
Donovan laughed as he wrapped his arms around me. “You like to sleep more than anyone I’ve ever known.” He gave my back a little rub before letting go.
“No. Don’t stop. I like the rubbing.”
“Aye. I bet you do, but it’s off to train. Why do you think I’m not fully dressed yet?”
He had to be joking. “Nope. No way. I’ve had enough. I’m not getting up.”
“After what Cosette said, I’d rather you be over-prepared than not. Up with you.” He slid out from under me and ripped the covers away.
I narrowed my gaze at him. “I take it back. Your presents suck.”
His grin didn’t dim at all. “Enough with the whining. Let’s go show your brothers what we’ve been doing the past while.”
I gave him a long look. “Honestly, Donovan. I don’t think they want to see that.”
He leaned back as he laughed. “Not that, woman. Mind out of the gutter. Christ Jesus.” He shook his head at me. “I’m trying to be respectful in your father’s house before we’re fully mated, but you’re making it hard.”
“Am I? Making it hard?” He, on the other hand, was making it too easy.
“Shite!” He turned to the door.
“Running from your mate already?” I teased.
“As if that were a thing.” He crossed his arms. The movement did amazing things to his arms. I almost laughed at myself. I was losing my mind, totally full-on obsessed with the guy. And who the hell would’ve guessed I was so into arms? It wasn’t like every other Were in the history of Weres wasn’t built. But something about Donovan got to me.
“I’m off to gather your brothers. I’ll meet you in your sparring room.”
All the sexy thoughts went right down the toilet. “I thought this place was big and you didn’t know where anything was.”
“That was before this morning. I’ve had plenty of time to explore.”
Plenty of time? “When did you wake up?”
“A while ago.”
That was vague. “Did you get any sleep?”
“Aye. Some.”
I slid off the bed and took a step toward him as I really looked at him.
His color was a tad pale, which wasn’t normal. Especially for an Alpha. Weres healed quickly, which meant practically no aging and next to no wear and tear. It was the biggest benefit to being a Were. That and the strength. And the whole running as a wolf thing.
Honestly, there were a lot of benefits to being a Were.
But if Donovan was looking even a little tired, then he must be exhausted. So, why wasn’t he sleeping?
“Some” wasn’t flying with me. “How much sleep did you get exactly?”
He closed the distance between us, cupping my face in his hand. “Don’t worry, my love. I’m fine.”
Fine. That was the kiss of death. And he hadn’t answered my question. “Donovan…” He sighed, and all his good-natured humor drained out of him. “Are you having nightmares again?”
“No. It’s not that.” He paused. “Or not just that.”
After the demon battle in the chapel, he’d had a few nightmares. During the fight, one of the demons had gotten hold of me and was dragging me to the pit of hell. I’d seen down into the abyss, and I knew exactly what my fate would’ve been if Donovan hadn’t gotten there in time. The problem was that when he killed the demon, it let go of me, and I’d almost ended up falling down the pit anyway. He’d caught my leg just in time, but it was close. Too close. And Donovan had some residual guilt because of it. He shouldn’t have any. He saved me. But he felt like he’d fumbled and nearly lost me.
I didn’t like that he was still having nightmares. It should’ve been me having them, but I wasn’t dwelling on what almost happened. He had to let it go. “I’m fine. You saved me.”
“I know. It’ll take some time before I get over the sight of you falling… But it’s not just that. It’s been a busy go the last few years, but I’ll be okay,” he said. “After all this mess with the fey is sorted, maybe we’ll take a wee holiday.”
“That’d be a start.” But I wasn’t settling for “wee.” Not if he was this exhausted. I’d known he was tired after the fight in Santa Fe, but he’d had to rush off to calm down the rest of the Seven, and then the fey were upset… But things couldn’t have been this intense for the last few years. I’d have heard about it. Wouldn’t I?
He gave me a soft kiss and left, but my worry still lingered. The man was always rushing off to deal with his pack or the latest Were crisis, but when was the last time he took a break? If he’d ever taken one. Which meant I’d probably have to make him take some time for himself. But that would be a Band-Aid on his bigger problem.
Was being one of the Seven and a pack Alpha too much for any one person to handle?
I sat down heavily on my bed. In the few months since we met he’d rushed back and forth across the globe dealing with all kinds of issues. He hadn’t been back to his pack, and he certainly hadn’t stopped to take a breath anywhere. Not even with me in Texas.
Cosette’s words ran through my mind again. Could he be so busy with Council work that he didn’t notice his pack was falling apart?
It was hard to imagine. The pack bonds were always loud and present in an Alpha’s mind. At least that was how my father described it.
No. Cosette had to be mistaken. Because if she wasn’t, then something was seriously wrong with my mate.
I quickly threw on some leggings and a sports bra. No shoes or shirt were needed. Not when sparring with Donovan. He was almost worse than my brothers. Not in the sense that he’d wake me at all hours to train, but when we worked out, it was serious business. I’d end up a ball of sweat and out of breath, which didn’t often happen to a Wayfarer.
The little hole in my leggings would’ve horrified my mother, but I didn’t care. They were comfortable, and that was all I needed from leggings. I made my way through the halls, and popped into one of the kitchens for a smoothie on my way to the gyms.
To protect Weres and humans from all types of supernatural threats, Wayfarers had to be in top form at all times. But we had more than enough gear for three packs.
The exercise wing of the estate had a studio for yoga and tai chi. Another room was filled with a Pilates instructor’s wet dream of reformers, Cadillacs, and chairs. Weight lifting equipment, TRXs, and boxing bags packed the room next door. You name it, we had a room full of it.
Today I headed straight for the sparring gym. I was enjoying the last little bit of my smoothie when I pushed through the double doors and stepped foot onto the mat. It was the largest room in the wing and void of any equipment. The black mats that lined the floor and walls had some spring to them and a thin layer of padding, but that was it. The walls had no windows. Nothing in there could break. Except for me.
All my brothers were standing around the room. Perfect. I was so glad Donovan had managed to find them. Each of them looked like variations on a theme. One had hair a little longer, another with shorter, varying levels of facial hair, and of course, Micah had his million and one tattoos. But all of my brothers were tall, at six feet seven inches, with the same white-blond hair, blue eyes, and pale skin. “What? The whole pack couldn’t make it?”
“Eh. Don’t want you to get too embarrassed, little sis,” Matt said.
“Like that ever bothered you before.”
“I asked that it just be them,” Donovan said.
“Why?”
He shrugged. “Family is one thing. But you sparring with unmated males is another.”
I barely held back the laugh that threatened to break free. It was really sweet and actually made me feel a little awesome that he’d be jealous. Even if it was completely absurd. Donovan was my mate. There was no contest. At all. Ever.
“Might want to put that smoothie down,” Donovan said. He was standing in the center of the room. “We’ll do our warm up first, and then your brothers want a try at you.”
I rolled my eyes. “You beat one brother once…”
“I keep telling you that you’re stronger than you realize.”
I snorted. “Blinded by love.”
That got me the smile I wanted. Donovan strode toward me and brushed a kiss against my lips. “Yes. But no.” One of my brothers coughed, and I suppressed a groan of frustration.
“Don’t mind us,” Matt said. “We’ll just be over here.”
Right. Until they joined in on the sparring session. “What are we starting with?”
“Beijing Short.”
I nodded, closing my eyes before we moved into the first stance in our tai chi form. The movements flowed from one to the next in an elegant dance.
The door slammed shut behind me and I stopped.
“I was comin’ to find what you’d like for…” Ciara’s voice trailed off as she twisted the skirt of her dress. Her dark-chocolate-colored hair cascaded down her back. Long bangs were cut straight across her forehead, making her look young, but she was starting to get crow’s-feet around her eyes. Which was concerning.
More concerning was the scent of fear coming off her and the way her face paled. “I—I—Sorry. I’ll just be—”
The way she scurried off so quickly had me worried. “I’m going to go after her.”
“No,” Donovan said. “It was me. I’ll have a word with her later. But give her a moment.”
“Yeah, cutie pie. No getting out of this on,” Max said.
I nodded. For now, I’d listen to them, but something was up with Ciara—who was more like a best friend than nanny these days—and I was going to find out what.
Donovan started the form over again, and I struggled to join him. I kept missing moves in the sequence and turning the wrong way. My head wasn’t in it at all. I couldn’t stop thinking about the way Ciara had acted. By the time we reached the end of the series, my body was starting to warm up, but I still hadn’t found my groove.
Donovan paused and I turned to him, wondering what was next. Letting him lead the session was okay by me. He had the experience and learning from him was a big deal. But this wasn’t a teaching session. This was meant to prove to my brothers—and to myself—that I could truly hold my own.
He did a capoeira style backflip with a kick, and I dropped to the ground.
Just like that, my head was back in the game. It was time to kick a little ass.
You could’ve given me some warning. I jumped up from the ground and spun, barely missing his fist.
Pay attention.
With that, it was on. Donovan worked with me, flowing effortlessly from style to style. It was one of the things I liked best about him. I’d never met anyone outside the Wayfarer pack who was so well versed in various forms of martial arts. Working out with him felt like coming home.
That and his smile. He made me laugh.
And his abs…
Concentrate, he said as his fist almost grazed my cheek.
I jumped back. I am.
He bounced in place for a second. No. You’re getting romantic in your head. It’s slowing you down. You can’t do that in a fight.
I caught his fist in my hand and knocked it to the side, causing him to skid away. We’re not in a fight. We’re sparring. It’s different. My mind can wander. I’m just—
The world spun as I caught air. It took me a split-second to tighten into a ball and spot the ground before I landed. On my feet.
“Goddamnit! Micah!” His scent gave him away.
“You were slowing down.”
I spun toward him. “So sue me. I didn’t let one of his hits land. I was—”
“He was pulling his punches.” He shoved a finger in Donovan’s direction.
That wasn’t true. “No, he wasn’t.”
“Yes, he was.”
I stepped up to Micah. “No—”
“Yes,” Donovan said.
My mouth dropped open as I turned to him. “What?”
He didn’t even look a little bit sheepish. “I’m not about to hit you. Ever. Even here.”
I was going to murder him. “What was all this about how strong I am and how I can beat them and you’re not even trying.”
Donovan gave me a small smile. “You’re my mate. I can’t hit you.”
I ran my fingers through my hair as I screeched in frustration. “We’re sparring. It’s not the same thing as an abusive relationship.”
He shrugged, unfazed by my frustration. “It’s not a reflection on your ability. I’m Alpha. I’m one of the Seven and have been for a very long time. I’m much stronger than you, and even if I wasn’t, I’m not about to hurt what’s mine to protect. I’m still giving you a full workout, and—”
“We’re done with this. We’ll talk after. In private.” He needed to stop before he pissed me off even more. I turned to Micah, waving him forward. “It’s on.”
One of my other brothers caught me from behind and flung me into the air.
I tumbled over him, kicking him in the small of his back as I landed. Matt. The jerk. He flew into Micah. “What the fuck is this? A game of toss Meredith?” I punched Matt, and he blocked just before my fist crushed his nose.
And with that, the fight was on. Me against all four brothers.
Even Miles, who usually stood back, joined in.
I’d drop to avoid a kick, roll before one would stomp, and pop up only to almost get hit in the face. They were moving faster and more in sync than ever. I could barely keep up, and after a week with them, I should’ve been able to. It was like they were showing off for Donovan.
Oh shit. They were fucking showing off for Donovan. Those assholes.
With that realization, my wolf rose to the surface, and I let her. My movements quickened. My hits were stronger. I was better. One by one, I pinned my brothers down and forced their submission. Until it was just Max and me.
Blood trickled from my nose as we circled each other. I’d caught an elbow somewhere in there, but it’d already healed. Sweat dripped into my eyes, but I didn’t wipe at it. That would give Max the window he needed.
No. Max was fucking going down. Again.
I leaped at his legs, throwing him off balance. He hit the floor with a thud.
My wolf rose a little more, giving my weary muscles a boost, and I flipped Max. He swung an arm, trying to gain leverage, but I caught it and twisted it behind his back.
It wasn’t the best pin ever. I wiggled up Max’s body a bit so that I could get my knee on his back. “Submit.”
His body relaxed as soon as the word left my lips. Any fight in him was gone. “Fine.”
That was a nice change. I sat back on my heels. My breath came in quick gasps. I tried to wipe my face with my hands but ended up just spreading the sweat around. Gross.
Max rolled, his breath coming in pants. “You’ve gotten better.”
“At least someone’s finally admitting it.” All I wanted now was a shower, a giant glass of ice-cold water, and a nap.
Donovan strode toward me, a towel hanging from his hands. “You Molloneys are out of your minds. That wasn’t fecking sparring. You nearly took Miles’ head off.”
I laughed. “He can take it.”
“And they hit you. In front of me.” I felt his anger brewing along our bond. This was super not good.
My brothers started laughing. “Remember when Miles broke her arm?”
Was he an idiot? Why would he bring that up now of all times?
“Shut up. That’s why I never fight with her anymore. I didn’t mean—”
Donovan roared, actively pushing power through the room. His command for submission passed me by, but my skin burned with it. My brothers’ laughter switched to whimpers as they all hit the ground.
My stupid brothers were too busy showing off to remember that Donovan’s fun-loving smiles and Irish lilt hid a whole buttload of power. And if my brothers didn’t make it out of here alive, it would be my fault.
I jumped up. “Donovan. I’m fine.”
His eyes were glowing blue. “You’re not fine. You’ve blood on your face.”
I took the towel and wiped my nose. “It’s okay. It’s already healed.” He growled. “They’re my brothers. They’d never do anything to seriously hurt me.”
“You didn’t see what I saw. This is what they’ve been doing with you at five in the morning all week?”
Try my whole life. But they’d spent years going over forms, teaching me punches, kicks, and gymnastics, before we ever even started sparring. And it had never been anything like this until I was old enough to handle it. My brothers were the reason I’d survived against a legion of demons. Because of them, I was ready for anything.
I pulled Donovan to me, wrapping my arms around him. “I’m okay. Did you see? I beat them all.”
When he didn’t answer, I pulled back. The panic was still there, coming through our bond. Something had triggered him. I wasn’t sure what, but he was back in that church in Santa Fe. “I lived through the fight with the demons. I’m here. Everything is okay.”
He rested his forehead on mine. We were the same height. He was on the shorter side for a male, but at six feet even, I was a little above average for a female Were. I didn’t mind at all. I liked being able to look him in the eye at all times.
Tears welled in his blue eyes, but he wouldn’t let one fall. Not in front of my brothers.
After a long second, he took a shuddering breath. “Can’t lose you.”
“You won’t.” At least I hoped not, for both our sakes. “This was different than the chapel. They’re my brothers. And I beat them.”
“Aye. That you did.” Some of the tension left his body. “Almost jumped into the fight a few times myself.”
“I’m glad you didn’t. I think you needed to see me beat my brothers as much as I needed to beat them. You were right. I’m stronger than I think.”
He softened a little more and leaned into me. “Aye.”
“Do me a favor?”
“What?”
“Let my brothers up?” Even if it was kind of nice to see them get their ass handed to them, I couldn’t let them squirm on the ground forever.
“Aye.” Donovan gave them a microscopic nod, and the tension in the room started to fade.
My brothers slowly got up, helping each other up as they shook off the last of Donovan’s power.
“What’s all this about you almost dying in Santa Fe?” Miles was the first one to speak.
“It was a close call,” I answered without looking away from Donovan.
“How close?” Max asked.
“Too close,” Donovan said.
I caught movement in the corner of my eye and turned in time to see my brothers conferring without speaking. This was bad. Nothing good came of them teaming up on anything. Especially when I was involved.
Max nodded at Miles. “Tomorrow we start at four,” he said with a finality that I did not appreciate in the least.
“What? No. Did you not get that I just beat you? All of you.” There was no way I was getting up that early. I might as well not even go to bed. It was inhumane.
“Tomorrow we’ll bring in more of the pack, too. We’ll make sure they’re very respectful.” Max was talking about me, but he was looking at Donovan. “You’re with Donovan now. There’s no telling what you might walk into. You need to be prepared. The more Wayfarers in on it, the better.”
Oh, for the love… “No.” I stormed to the door and swung it open so hard that it ripped from the hinges. I tossed it behind me—hoping it’d hit one of the morons—and kept on going as they laughed. “You guys can eat a dick. I’m not waking up at three-thirty in the morning so that we can start training at four. No way in hell.”
“Where are you going?” Matt called after me.
“None of your damned business.” I was going to shower, but they didn’t need to know that.
Donovan stayed back with my brothers. Their voices echoed down the hall as they talked about the door I’d broken.
The door’s hinges are ripped in two. You’re putting up a big show for only being a little annoyed. Donovan said through our bond.
If breaking a door meant my brothers would leave me alone, then the whole house would be door-less by morning. They’re threatening to wake me up at three-thirty. I’m more than a little annoyed.
He laughed. Don’t worry. No one is waking you up.
I wouldn’t mind if it were you… And for a different kind of workout, I said in my sexiest voice. Or I hoped it was my sexiest voice. I could’ve just sounded silly.
Woman. I’m with your brothers. No using that tone with me now.
A little zing of pleasure hit me. I loved it when I got the upper hand with him.
Just you wait. Payback is coming.
Good. I couldn’t wait.