“Maybe this wasn’t such a good idea,” I say, running my hands down my thighs.

  “It’s fine,” he says, offering a smile.

  “I’d offer you food, but all I have is bread and crackers. You want a bottle of water?” I get to my feet, but he holds out his hand to stop me.

  “No, thanks.” I sit back down.

  “So what did you want to talk about?” The silence is deafening, and my voice suddenly sounds too damn loud.

  “I don’t want to fight with you, Jensen, and I don’t want to upset you, but I also have an obligation.”

  “I know that.”

  “It was really hard when you left, for a long time, on all of us. We all took it differently and dealt with it differently. We went through various emotions, each of us blaming ourselves. We’d go days without speaking to one another. Then we got to a point where we couldn’t leave one another. Things got a little out of control and we were constantly on edge about where the other was and if they were coming back.” As he speaks, I stare at the floor, my forearms resting on my thighs, hands clasped together. I focus on his words, refusing to react to them because he deserves to speak his mind freely. “I’m not telling you this to make you feel bad or to upset you, but I want you to know how hard it was for us to deal with.” There’s a long pause before he speaks again. “I don’t think we can go through that again. I don’t know why you’re here, and I’m not sure it matters, but you need to be careful with what you do while in town.”

  “Careful?” I ask, lifting my head to find his gaze on me.

  “Skye has enough on her plate right now. She can’t deal with being heartbroken again. We may lose the pack.”

  I huff out a laugh and sit up straight. “I know about the problems with the pack, Jordy, and I assure you I’m not here to mess it up for her or you or anyone else in Blackcreek. Me being here is purely business. I’m here for a client, one who I’m going to get a lot of money from, and that’s it.”

  Jordy smiles at me, one that holds a bit of playfulness, and I don’t quite understand it since he just spilled his heart. “That’s it?”

  What is he trying to say?

  “Yes, Jordy. That’s it. It’s the only reason I’m here. In fact, I was trying to keep it a secret. I didn’t want anyone to know I was here. At all.” I meet his eyes and see a flash of something pass in them before his smile widens and then he gets to his feet.

  “Thanks for clearing that up, Jensen. I’ll make sure to pass along the message.” His sudden change in demeanor has my head spinning, and his feet are heavy as he walks across the room. By the time I get to my feet, he’s already got his hand around the knob to pull the door open. Did he really walk all the way here with me just for that short conversation? Just to tell me one thing? He made it seem like he wanted to talk to me about something, not just relay a message.

  “Jordy, wait—” He drops his hand from the door and turns towards me, raising a brow. “I’m... sorry.” Saying the word makes me feel a little better, like the smallest weight I’ve been carrying around for the last six years has lifted. Problem is, there’s still so much more. “I’m not the same person I was, okay? I’m not trying to be an asshole here. I just want you to know what I’m doing, that way you can pass it on. I don’t want there to be any confusion on anything, any misunderstandings. It’s just work.”

  With the smallest of smirks, Jordy walks towards me, placing his hand on my shoulder and meeting my eyes. “Are you trying to convince me, or you?” His words are quiet and hold more weight than they should. My mouth flops open and I’m speechless. He stares at me for a moment longer before giving my shoulder a quick squeeze, and then turning and leaving.

  I don’t know how long I stand there for, staring at the door, before I realize what the hell I’m doing. This day has been absolute shit and it’s way too early to deal with any of it. I need a fucking drink.

  Chapter Twenty

  Juniper-Skye

  I lie in bed, the warmth of my mates on either side of me the only thing keeping me here. I’m antsy and anxious, and I can’t sleep. I’ve been staring up at the ceiling for hours, listening to the soft breathing of Luka and Jordy as they enjoy sleep, and the rain falling outside. It’s soft and lulling, but not enough to soothe me, which is frustrating.

  It’s rained every single night for the past few days, which is strange for this time of year, but I enjoy the rain so I’m not complaining. Ozzie-G and the chickens aren’t too happy about it, but I guess they’ll just have to get over it.

  I know Jordy talked to Jensen today, even though he didn’t tell me he did. It’s the exact thing he would do after what happened at the nest. He conveniently disappeared for a little while, and it’s the only thing that makes sense.

  After I left, I came right back here, took a long shower, and tried to decide how the hell I was going to handle what happened between me and Jensen. Do I tell Luka and Jordy, or do I keep it a secret? I finally came to the conclusion that I will tell them... after Jensen leaves. This way killing him won’t be an option. I mean, they still could, but it’s less likely.

  I feel terrible about it, and it’s most likely the reason I can’t sleep. It shouldn’t have happened. Granted, I didn’t initiate it, but I didn’t pull back right away either. I also kind of enjoyed it... which is what makes me feel horrible. I’m not supposed to have feelings like that for anyone but my mates—Jordy and Luka—but Jensen is a grey area, and I don’t know how that all works. I just know it feels wrong enough to have guilt swirling in my chest.

  Luka didn’t get back until much later than Jordy and me. We’d already made and eaten dinner and were sitting on the floor playing chess when Luka came strolling in. I know most of Luka’s anger has nothing to do with me directly, and is more about the ripples Jensen is causing by being here, on top of him opening old wounds on all of us. Luka didn’t say a word when he came in, and I could tell he was tired. When he’s upset nowadays, he keeps to himself until he calms down and can work through what’s bothering him.

  He gave us a forced smile and went straight to the bedroom. By the time Jordy and I were done and cleaned up, Luka was already asleep, so we decided to do the same. Jordy fell asleep instantly. I could tell something was weighing on his mind, but we didn’t talk about it. It’s not anything that’s concerning to me though, because I know them. I know us. Sometimes we have to process things before we talk about it, and that’s okay. Even though Jordy didn’t tell me he spoke to Jensen, I know he did, and even though Luka didn’t tell me he’s upset and hurt by seeing Jensen here, I know he is, and I know they’ll talk about it in their own time.

  As if Luka knows I’m thinking about him, he shifts in his sleep, turning over so he’s facing me instead of the wall. I glance at him and my chest warms. He’s so beautiful, so perfect, especially in the dim glow of the fairy lights that hang on the wall above our headboard. The trees are so thick here that the dim moonlight can’t get through the tops, so I felt this was a good option. I also really love the way it looks.

  I turn to my side and run the backs of my fingers along Luka’s cheekbone. He lets out a satisfied hum before opening his eyes. I freeze, and he brings his large hand up to cover mine.

  “I’m sorry,” I whisper. “I didn’t mean to wake you.”

  “Why aren’t you sleeping?” he asks in a raspy voice, all the anger from earlier today gone and filled with peace.

  I shrug. “I can’t.”

  He moves his hand around my waist and pulls me to him, pressing a lingering kiss to my forehead. His large body and warmth envelopes me and I instantly feel better. He moves his head back, giving me room to share the pillow with him, so I move closer.

  “I love you, Luka. You know that, right?” I keep my voice low, not wanting to disturb Jordy.

  Luka’s fingers run along the bare skin on my lower back, soothing me. “Of course, baby. Hey—” He cups my face with his hand, tilting my chin up to look at him, and even in the dim lights, I can see the bright green of his eyes. “I’ve never questioned your feelings for me. Ever. Not once.”

  He leans forward and presses a soft kiss against my lips. When he pulls back, I move forward, not wanting this to end yet. It feels too good. He wraps his hand around the back of my neck as I deepen the kiss, letting him know I need more. I need to feel him.

  I nibble on his bottom lip before sucking on it gently. A low groan rumbles from his chest before he takes control—exactly what I was hoping for. He shifts, and his hands find my hips. He lifts me on top of him so I’m straddling him, and I find him already hard between my legs.

  His large hands cup each of my ass cheeks, squeezing and pulling me into him, causing me to grind along his erection. Warmth and wetness pools at my core and I ache for him.

  “I need you, Luka,” I whisper as I pull back just enough to break our kiss.

  “You have me, baby. Always,” Luka whispers back, his lips still brushing along mine.

  I lean down to kiss his neck, trailing my tongue along his collarbone and to the other side of his neck where I lick and suck. He groans deeply, his fingers digging into the flesh of my ass. I know all of his weak points, the spots that drive him crazy, make him putty in my hands, and his neck is one of them—the best one. The one he enjoys so damn much I can feel him throbbing against my clit.

  “You’re such a troublemaker,” he says quietly, and I know he’s saying that because Jordy is sleeping right beside us. This isn’t the first time something like this has happened, though. We all do it, and it’s fine. If the other person wakes up and joins, great. If they don’t, then they don’t. I don’t know how other people are in their relationships, but we’re very open in this house, especially when it comes to sex.

  “Then be quiet,” I say as I nip his bottom lip before crawling down his body, dragging my tongue and sucking on his skin as I go.

  I don’t get far though because Luka stops me with his hands firm on my hips. “Nope. Not tonight,” he says huskily.

  I’m confused by his words until he rolls us over in one swift motion, so his large body is covering mine. “Lay back and relax. Let me take care of you.” He drags his nose along my neck, inhaling my scent before kissing his way down my body and disappearing underneath the blankets... the same thing I was just about to do seconds ago. I don’t argue though.

  His fingers drag down the outside of my legs, and his hot breath fans across the insides as he teases me with his mouth. He kisses up and down my thighs, getting closer and closer to my core before he finally runs his nose up my slit, and I curse the panties I have on. Luka enjoys teasing and gets off on my pleasure. He’d tease me all day just for one earth-shattering orgasm, and every second is always worth it. He knows all the right ways to build me up into a craze before giving me what I need. No doubt I’ll be asleep seconds after we’re finished, and I know that’s his goal at this point. He wants to tire me out, get me to relax, and to fall asleep, and I have no arguments with that.

  His finger slides into the waistband of my panties and I lift my hips as he pulls them down. The anticipation of his mouth on me has me panting, my fingers digging into the bedsheets. My clit is throbbing and needs attention.

  Luka’s palms glide up the inside of my thighs and he spreads me wide open before slowly dragging his tongue from bottom to top. I turn my head sideways, nuzzling into the pillow to quiet the sounds of pleasure leaving my mouth as he swirls his tongue around my clit before going back down and thrusting his tongue inside of me, humming in satisfaction.

  My hands find his hair, and I make quick work of pulling out the hair tie so I can run my fingers through his strands. His soft hair brushes along my thighs and gods, how I love the way it feels on my skin. I tangle my fingers through it and guide him where I want him, or try to anyway, because Luka does what he wants. He has a plan, and won’t let anyone change his mind. No matter what it is he’s doing.

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Luka

  I swear Juniper tastes sweeter than usual. Or maybe it’s just something about knowing how much she needs this, needs me between her legs making her come, that has her tasting even more delicious. Sex is a great distraction and helps her relax, and knowing I’m the one doing it, helps me do the same. Knowing I’m doing something to help her, soothes me in ways nothing else can. I’d blame it on the mate bond, but I don’t think that’s it. I felt this way before she was officially my mate, before we knew that bond was chosen for us by the universe. I live for this woman, I breathe for her, and would do anything to make her happy. Knowing I have the ability to do that is satisfying beyond comprehension.

  Her hands tangle in my hair and she tugs just enough to show me she likes what I’m doing, grinding her pussy against my face to move along with the strokes of my tongue. I let her take some control, wanting this to feel as good as possible. I can read her body like my favorite book and know what she wants and when, but sometimes giving up the control is good for both of us.

  It builds on our trust, knowing that we’re safe with the other, no matter what. That if one of us starts to fall, the other will always be there to catch us. Trust is important to me, for so many different reasons, but it’s needed with your mate. How else can you get through the day? If I didn’t trust Juniper, my mind would constantly be wondering where she was and what she was doing. I’d question everything she did. It would drive me mad. That’s what happens when you don’t trust someone, and it’s certainly no way to be in a relationship or to live your life.

  And it’s exactly why I’m so pissed that Jensen is here...

  “Gods!” Juniper’s muffled cry has me focusing back on her and the fact I’m between her legs. Now isn’t the time to worry about anyone but her, so that’s where I bring my thoughts. The way she tastes and feels on my tongue. Her warm skin under my palms. Her heavy breathing and soft moans. Her small, lithe body squirming around, chasing an orgasm I’ll give her when I want to.

  Jordy is at the other side of the bed, a few feet away. I have half a mind to wake him and really blow Juniper’s mind. Get her good and tired out so she sleeps well, and hopefully late into the early afternoon like she should.

  Her hands tighten in my hair, and I drag my tongue up before sucking her swollen clit between my lips. Her breathing grows heavier and I can tell she’s close, so fucking close, and my stomach warms with anticipation. I don’t want her to come yet and don’t want to stop pleasing her, so I release her clit from my lips and move so I’m covering her body with my own. Resting one forearm beside her head, I use the other to push down my shorts as I lean in to kiss her, my lips still wet from her arousal.

  Juniper isn’t like most girls I’ve known in bed. Not that there are many, but there were a few and they all had one thing in common. They loved coming on my tongue. Juniper though? She’s different. She enjoys coming around my cock instead, which, obviously, I fucking love too.

  She moans against my lips, ravishing my mouth as I kick my shorts off completely and glide my cock through her sopping-wet slit. Pressing down with my hips, I grind against her clit a few times before moving down and slowly sliding into her hot pussy. She lifts her hips for me to go deeper, and my hand slides under her back, holding her in place for just the right angle. Instead of pulling all the way out, I circle my hips and grind against her, loving how her pussy tightens and clenches around me. Gods, she feels so good.

  I brush my thumb over her hardened nipples, teasing them just the way she likes.

  I move my mouth to her neck, kissing her gently and inhaling her perfect scent. Her breaths are loud and her moans are getting louder.

  “Shhh...” I remind her with a soft chuckle that turns into more of a moan over how good she feels.

  She whimpers in response. I don’t really care about her being loud, don’t care if Jordy wakes up and joins, it’s just fun to watch her writhe beneath me and try to keep quiet only because I said so. Inside of the bedroom, Juniper is very obedient. Outside, she’s as stubborn as an ox. Both of these sides of her are what makes her who she is, and I love every ounce of it.

  “You feel so good, baby,” I tell her softly. “So fucking good.”

  “Luka...” Her word is a warning but also a way of telling me how good this feels. She loves and hates when I tease her like this.

  “You’re gonna come for me, aren’t you?” I whisper into her ear before nipping at the spot right beneath.

  “Yes... Gods, yes.”

  “When I tell you to?” I thrust my hips a little harder to accentuate my words, and she whimpers out a yes in response, just as I knew she would. “You’re so good to me, baby. Always doing as I ask.” I kiss her neck and move down to take her nipple between my teeth and tug.

  “Luka... fuck.” Her hands fall free of my hair and her nails dig into my ribs, egging me on. That familiar warmth starts to swirl in my belly, and I know I’m not going to last much longer, not if I keep going like this. She feels too good to stop.

  I wrap my arm around her thigh and hike her leg up higher, going even deeper, grinding into her harder as she bites down on my shoulder to quiet herself.

  “Baby, I’m going to come,” I say. “Come with me, Juni. Come for me.”

  Her teeth sink into my shoulder deeper and I know there will be blood. The pain turns into this twisted sense of pleasure and my orgasm hits out of nowhere. Nothing could have stopped it. My senses blackout as my body is rushed with pleasure, and I hope like fuck she’s coming too. For long moments, all I can sense is the pleasure and nothing else around me. When I come back to reality, I feel her fluttering around me, feel her teeth in my skin, and hear her moans... all of which tell me she did as she was told.

  I press a kiss to her forehead and roll over onto my back, tugging her close to me. She rests her head on my chest, her arm wrapped around my waist. Our heavy breathing fills the otherwise silent room, and before I know it, she’s snoring softly. I lean over and kiss her forehead. “I love you, baby. Sleep tight,” I whisper.