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  “I’m Jared.” He took my hand lacing our fingers together. “Taryn’s boyfriend.”

  I blinked and did my best to hide my shock behind a cool smile. “Charlie’s not the only one who’s lucky.”

  Heather nodded. “I can see that.”

  Brian’s Mom focused on the game again. I turned to face Jared and mouthed the word, “Boyfriend?”

  He chuckled and leaned in. “Sounded better than telling her I’m your carpenter.” I nodded, wishing I hadn’t wanted it to be true. He squeezed my hand and came close to whisper, “There’s no one else in my life, in case you’re wondering.”

  Without thinking, I raised our joined hands and kissed the back of his. He watched my every move, desire shining in his eyes. I swallowed hard and broke eye contact. He could make me hot with just a look. How could this ever work?

  I concentrated on Charlie’s game, counting backwards and gradually the fire cooled. Jared tightened his hold on my hand, drawing my attention again. Was I hurting him? His smile melted away my worries. My heart pounded as I lost myself in his bright hazel eyes.

  “You stopped it. Your hand heated up, but you pulled it back.”

  I nodded. He made me feel like a freaking superhero.

  “Charlie’s going to win this game, but a hug from his mom would be the biggest win of his life.”

  I turned to watch my son, choking back a sudden surge of emotions. What if I hurt him? I was lucky he didn’t remember the scar or the fire. He’d remember this.

  Would it be a happy memory?

  Jared whispered next to my ear, “You’ve got this.”

  One of the boys passed the ball to Charlie, he nudged it around another player and kicked. The black and white ball sailed past the goalie’s hands and right into the net. I jumped to my feet, cheering, my heart fuller than it had any right to be. God, I’d missed so much already. I didn’t want to miss any more.

  I was through being a prisoner to my power.

  When the referee finally blew the whistle signifying the end of the game, the boys all scattered, racing toward their parents on the sidelines. Charlie ran toward me and slowed to a stop a couple feet away.

  “Mom! Did you see?”

  I dropped to my knees, nodding as I opened my arms. “I saw it all.”

  For a split second Charlie stared at my invitation, hesitating before launching himself into my arms. I held him so tight, it was miracle he could breathe. I kissed his hair, his ear, his cheek, whatever I could touch without letting him go.

  My boy clung to me. “I love you, Mom.”

  “I love you too, Charlie. So much.”

  Gradually, I realized my hands were throbbing, pulsing with energy, heat. I loosened my grip and wiped my eyes.

  A crease formed in Charlie’s brow and he started to smile. “Why are you crying?”

  I shrugged, laughing and sniffling all at the same time. “I’ve missed so much.”

  “It’s okay, Mom.” He took my hand. “You can catch up.”

  I had no clue what I’d ever done to deserve this amazing boy, but whatever it took, I was never going to push him away again. I’d find a way to cope, to control the fire. And I’d be the mom he deserved.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Jared

  Seeing Taryn and Charlie hugging lit something deep inside of me, waking a part of my heart I never knew existed. These two people were becoming the center of my world. I still had a werewolf hurdle to cross, but now that I knew Charlie’s twin wasn’t out there loose in the world, there was no rush to freak out his mother with the whole “by the way I’m a werewolf and so is your son” talk.

  She had enough on her plate right now.

  I’d shift with the Pack during the full moon later this week, and then Friday night I’d take Taryn to the Masquerade. And as long as the weather held out, I could probably have her deck project finished next week.

  One day at a time. Werewolves could wait a little longer.

  Charlie jogged over, beaming. “Jared. Did you see me score?”

  “I sure did. You didn’t tell me you’re a soccer star.” I gave him a solid fist bump. “Can I offer you a shoulder ride back to the car?”

  “Heck, yes!”

  I laughed, boosting him up over my head. “Hang on up there.” Squatting down, I caught the backs of the chairs on my arm.

  “You don’t have to carry everything.” Taryn smiled up at me.

  “I’m not. You’ve got Tank.”

  Charlie giggled as his mom nudged me and walked with us back to my truck. I wasn’t looking forward to dropping them off and heading home.

  But I had a lot to sort out with Adam.

  Taryn took the chairs and put them in the back of the pick-up while I lifted Charlie over my head to place his feet on the ground. He spun around and gave me a hug, whispering, “Can you stay with us again?”

  My heart stuttered as I rubbed his back. I’d grown up with my twin brother and the security of my Pack. This little wolf had spent his life without either. I couldn’t imagine how lost he must feel with no real idea what he was looking for or why.

  “I’ve got to get home, but I’ll be back. We have a deck to build remember?”

  He pulled back meeting my eyes. “I hope you never finish.”

  I chuckled. “I’m pretty sure your mom wouldn’t be too happy about that.”

  He shook his head emphatically, whispering, “Nuh-uh. She wants you to stay, too. I can tell.”

  “Even after it’s finished, I’m hoping you and your mom will still want me around.”

  He gave me one more squeeze and took off to help Tank into the cab of the truck. Taryn came up behind me. I caught her scent before she ever touched me. Her hands trembled on my hips. I turned around and lost myself in the sea of emotion churning in her blue eyes.

  “I don’t know how to thank you for today. I…”

  I kissed her. Sometimes words just didn’t cut it. She wrapped her arms around my waist, her fingers sliding up my back. She tasted like winter, fresh and a little dangerous. Perfect. She tasted fucking perfect.

  Forcing myself back, I whispered, “We should get out of here.”

  My voice carried more of a growl than I intended. The full moon was getting close, and my wolf wanted to claim our mate in the most primal way. The parking lot of the soccer field might be trouble.

  “Okay.” She nodded, her teeth tugging at her lower lip. I’d bet money she probably had no idea how damned sexy she was.

  I left Taryn and Charlie at their place after promising him I’d be over first thing Monday morning to work on the deck, and went home for a much needed shower. Tank was happy to have his familiar food and water dishes, but I had to admit the quiet of my little house gnawed at me. Usually Tank’s grunts and snorts were enough, but tonight…

  Tonight, I missed her. Hell, I missed Charlie, too. He’d been something else on the soccer field. Although I had nothing to do with his abilities, pride still swelled in me with every goal he scored. And seeing him get a hug from his mom…

  Enough. I grabbed my phone and called my brother.

  “Hey, Jared. Where have you been?”

  “At Taryn’s.”

  “Nice.”

  I chuckled. “Don’t get too excited. I still haven’t mentioned her son is a werewolf and oh by the way, I know that because I am, too.”

  He sighed. “I didn’t want to tell Kilani either, but she came around. You can’t leave her in the dark.”

  “Kilani couldn’t set you on fire.”

  “True.” He paused. “So what’s up?”

  “Can you and Kilani meet me at the ranch in the morning?”

  “Is something wrong?”

  “I don’t know yet, but your mate went to Brightwood, and I have questions. I’m pretty sure Adam and Aren need to hear this, too. Apparently Malcolm knew about Taryn. He helped her.”

  “What?”

  I nodded, pulling my hair back from my forehead. Why the hell did I feel
like I was betraying her? I was protecting my Pack, wasn’t I? Rule number one.

  “Just meet me there tomorrow morning at nine. I’m calling Adam.”

  After a quick chat with Adam, I took a beer out of the fridge, staring at Tank. “What the hell am I doing, boy?”

  Tank came closer, looking up at me.

  “I have to tell them. What if Sylvia was Antonio Severino’s wife? What if she had more dealings with Malcolm that we don’t know about yet? And if she thought Taryn was in danger and Malcolm helped protect her, then what has been happening since Malcolm died?”

  Tank snorted. I bent down to scratch the top of his wide head.

  “It’s telling them without telling her that’s bugging me. But I can’t tell her yet. She’s finally starting to control the fire, boy. If I upset her and she loses it and something burns, I may never get another chance with her.”

  I groaned and moved to the couch. Television didn’t distract me like I hoped. I stared at the screen, but in my mind, all I saw was Taryn.

  The second Jason and Kilani got out of the car at the ranch, Adam’s attention was on my brother’s mate. He tilted his head slightly, staring at them both before he cleared his throat. “Good to see you guys.”

  He clasped Jason’s forearms in the traditional Pack greeting and then hugged Kilani, carefully. Kilani stepped back and groaned. “You know, don’t you? How is that even possible?”

  Adam chuckled. “I didn’t want to say anything in case you guys didn’t know yet.”

  Kilani rolled her eyes. “We were waiting to tell everyone until we were sure there weren’t going to be any complications.”

  Adam glanced at me. “You knew?”

  I nodded. “Yeah, but I was sworn to secrecy.”

  Kilani crossed her arms, smiling. “Still doesn’t explain how Adam knew. I’m not showing yet.”

  “I heard two more hearts beating when you got out of the car, and when you came closer, your scent has changed a little.”

  Jason took her hand. “Alphas have some extra senses when it comes to Pack members.”

  “So much for keeping it on the down low for a couple more weeks.” She sighed.

  “I won’t say anything.” Adam turned to Jason. “But I don’t think you need to worry about complications.”

  “Good.” Jason came over and clasped my forearms before we all headed for the house. We had plenty to discuss.

  Aren was waiting inside, talking to Lana, Adam’s mate. They didn’t seem to notice any change in Kilani, and Adam, true to his word, didn’t mention anything about it.

  After we all said our hellos, Adam’s gaze locked on mine. “Did you find Taryn’s other son?”

  I ground my teeth and forced the words out. “He passed away in his crib as an infant.”

  Adam frowned, sighing. “That’s…I can’t even imagine how painful that must’ve been for her.”

  I probably should’ve mentioned the fire, but I didn’t.

  “Have you told her about you and Charlie?”

  I shook my head. “No.”

  He sighed. “You’ve got to tell her, Jared.” Adam looked at Jason and back to me. “We’ve been there. It sucks and it’s scary, but the longer you wait the worse it’s going to get.”

  Kilani and Lana wisely remained silent.

  “The point you all seem to be missing is that Taryn, my mate, just hugged her son for the first time in nine years. It wasn’t that her power didn’t kick in, she actually pulled it back on her own. This is huge.” I crossed my arms over my chest shaking my head slowly. “Who am I to yank the rug out from under her right now? Charlie’s twin is dead. There’s not a young werewolf on his own out there. I can look after Charlie, until she’s ready for the truth.”

  Adam raised a brow. “And when exactly is she going to be ready? No one is ever ready to hear the guy they’re sleeping with is a werewolf.”

  Before I could reply, Kilani spoke up. “I think Jared might be right.” Everyone turned her way. “Taryn’s got a psychic power that has owned her for years, and it’s destructive. If she loses control, people could die. This isn’t like when Jason told me and I thought he was kidding. If she doesn’t have much practice controlling it, getting angry or upset or scared…might get people hurt.”

  She said it much better than I ever could. I wanted to kiss her. Instead, I stood tall, stoic, daring anyone in my Pack to deny the truth Kilani just laid out.

  “Fuck.” Adam’s pacing began. “Fine. Okay, so for now, she works on controlling her power and you’ll help Charlie. What do we do about the Nero connection?”

  Lana watched her husband wearing a hole in their floor and then looked up at me. “I’ll start researching Sylvia Severino and see what I can find. If she really died in a fire like Taryn says, there should be a news story of some kind. Maybe I can get some details.”

  “Why would the details of her death matter?” Now that telling Taryn that her son was a werewolf was off the table, I could concentrate.

  “Because if it was soon after Malcolm helped hide Taryn, then we have a motive, and maybe it wasn’t an accident.”

  Kilani nodded. “If Nero somehow found out Taryn’s powers had manifested and become more powerful, they would’ve collected her and brought her back. She was a huge disappointment when she left, but she’d be a commodity if she could be used as a weapon.”

  “And if that asshole who touched her is the jaguar I’ve been smelling, he could be from Nero.”

  Adam stopped. “Why would they come for her now after nine years? How’d they figure out where she was?”

  “That’s the part I’m missing.” I shook my head. “The Masquerade is this Friday night and she told me the guy is coming, so I should get a visual.”

  Aren cleared his throat. “I’ll comb through the records at Sloan Consulting from nine years ago and see if I can find anything from our father that might give us a clue why our Alpha was helping the wife of the head of Nero.”

  I glanced at Aren. He’d worked with his dad at Sloan Consulting since he graduated college and after Malcolm’s death, he became the CEO. If anyone could find some link to a money trail, it would be him.

  Adam raked his fingers through his hair, shaking his head. “Full moon is Thursday night. I don’t like the Pack shifting up there if there’s a jaguar in our territory.”

  Nadya came down the hallway. I forgot she’d been watching Adam’s twins. She was every bit the werewolf we were now. No doubt she heard everything we discussed.

  “Pyramid Lake. We could shift there instead.”

  Adam considered it for a second. “Only as a last resort. There’s not as much cover there. No forest, just boulders.”

  “I’ll be back up in Tahoe to work on the deck tomorrow. I can scout around for his scent. Maybe I’ll get lucky.”

  “Okay.” Adam nodded. “Anyone finds anything, let me know.” His gaze fell square on me. “Our Pack’s safety comes first.”

  A twinge of guilt tugged heavy at my shoulders. When Adam ascended to Alpha, he’d also gained some kind of supernatural insight. Did he already sense my loyalty splitting?

  I nodded, grinding my teeth to keep from revealing what was in my heart. “Pack first.”

  But deep down the sand was shifting under my feet.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Taryn

  I opened the office Monday morning, and left a bag of donuts on Ray’s desk with a note of thanks for sticking around late last week. Funny how a couple days can change everything. Yesterday, I spent most of the day with Charlie. We played checkers, watched movies, and I even taught him to make mac and cheese. For the first time since the fire, I didn’t fear touching my little boy.

  Having a relationship with him, beyond writing notes back and forth in a journal, made the days brighter. And I might not have any of it if it weren’t for Jared coming into our lives.

  I glanced at the clock. He was probably already at my house working on the deck. Too bad I had to work. It w
as unsettling how much I missed him.

  My computer hummed and burst to life, downloading my emails and snapping me back to reality. I clicked through, marking the messages to delete, when my cell beeped in my purse. I swiped the screen and laughed.

  Jared and Tank’s faces filled my screen with a homemade sign that said simply, “Lunch?”

  I’ll bring home a couple deli sandwiches at Noon. Sound good? I waited.

  My phone beeped. See you then.

  I smiled and started to put it away when it chimed one more time.

  Can’t stop thinking about you.

  My pulse thrummed. I wet my lips and texted back. Same here.

  “Ms. Goldstone?”

  I fumbled, struggling to keep from dropping my phone. “Yes.” Once I got it back into my purse I glanced up to see Madison in my doorway.

  She came into my office with a garment bag over her shoulder. “Your costumes came in for the Masquerade. You should probably try them on so we have time to find something else if they don’t fit.”

  “Good idea. Can you leave them on my chair? I’m running home for lunch today, so I can take them then.”

  “Perfect.” She did as I asked. “Anything else I can help with?”

  I shook my head. “Not that I know of.”

  “Let me know if that changes.”

  She left my office as I clicked on an email. I smiled, skimming the contents. Damian Severino’s offer was accepted contingent on him producing the cash payment he’d promised. I leaned back in my chair, barely refraining from whooping and causing a scene.

  No more showing properties with Mr. Severino. Thank God. I picked up the phone and punched in his number, anxious to move the deal forward. The sooner it was done, the sooner I could put the burn incident behind me.

  “This is Damian.”

  “Hi. This is Ms. Goldstone from Goldstone Properties. I’ve got great news, your offer on the lakefront property was accepted. Can you come in the office soon and sign the documents so escrow can get started?”

  “You’ll have to overnight the documents to me. There were some pressing matters at my office that needed my attention.”

  I frowned. “I hope everything’s all right. You’re out of state?”