Authors: Kimberly Hunter
“My sister Alex is only a year older than me, and she acts just like Roan. With that superior, she-never-got-dirty-as-a-kid attitude.”
“Right on target about that one.” Flynn laughed. “Growing up, it was virtually impossible to tell us apart unless you smelled us. Or until we went outside. Then it was easy.”
“And I have the cleaning bills to prove it, too.” Charlie sighed and shook her head like a woman greatly put upon, getting a round of laughter in response.
“I’ve met several pairs of twins, but never any so different from each other. You two may look alike, but that’s where the similarity ends.”
“That was my father’s doing,” Roan began to explain. “All twins, even identical ones like Flynn and I, have their own personality traits, but my father also wanted each of us to be our own person. To not rely too heavily on each other.”
“He knew Roan would someday be Pack Alpha, and as such, started to train Roan early,” Flynn added. “But he did not keep us separated. He knew we shared a bond; all twins do. But like Roan said, he wanted us to be an individual, to pursue our own interests. It’s made both of us stronger and an asset to the Pack.”
Sasha nodded in understanding. “But why didn’t he train you both? Twin Alphas would have been quite a feat.”
“It would have been quite a disaster.” Roan chuckled.
“Why?”
“Being Alpha is a solitary position for the male. Sharing that power would be too much conflict. No two Alphas rule the same,” Flynn explained. “Besides, I never wanted the position anyway, and Father knew it.”
“I remember going on runs after our First Transformation, just the three of us, deep in the woods. Father would tell me all the things I needed to know, then tell Flynn that no matter what he decided to do with his life, I would still need someone to trust, someone I could count on. That all good Alphas needed a second in command, a Beta. And Father was right. After I became Alpha, Flynn became my Beta.”
“And because we both have pursued different paths, it’s ultimately helped the Pack.” Flynn nodded in agreement.
“Your father sounds like a great man. I would love to meet him.” Just then wondering why she hadn’t before now and why he wasn’t present at dinner.
The three of them looked at each other, sad expressions on their faces, Charlie most of all.
“Their father was killed in a plane crash a few weeks after Dillon was born.” Charlie’s voice was thick, her grief still a palpable thing.
“I’m so sorry to hear that.” Sasha knew exactly how they all felt. She and her father may have not seen eye to eye on a lot of things—being the daughter of an old-fashioned father had its problems—but she had loved him dearly and still missed him in her life.
Charlie smiled wanly. “Thank you, hon. It was hard at first, not having my Mate. But then I thought we shared almost two hundred years together, he gave me four wonderful children and more than a lifetime of memories. I felt blessed to have had the time we were given. And we’ll be together again one day.” A dreamy yet sad smile reached her eyes.
“Two hundred years.” Sasha couldn’t contemplate being with someone even half that long. “That’s quite a while.” Then a thought came to her. “Just how old are you two?” The question directed at Roan and Flynn.
“They’re positively ancient.” Gabe snickered, coming back into the dining room.
Roan and Flynn snorted at that. “So says the guy who is only three years younger than us,” Flynn stated with a grin.
“And that would make you…?” she prompted.
Roan paused with a slight smile. “A hundred and fifteen next April the fourth.”
“Wow!” Her eyes widened, looking at the three of them and not really sure what to say. She wasn’t scared; it was just not what she expected. But then, this whole day hadn’t been.
Flynn took her hand, rubbing the knuckles in reassurance. His smile and touch helped, but they both knew she was going to need some time to absorb all this before she had too many more shocks. Even she had her limits. Her open mind would start to get a bit too full, too fast.
“Everything okay with Dillon? No problems?” Charlie asked Gabe, the look on her face telling Sasha that she understood her discomfort and that was why she asked about Dillon. Sasha smiled in gratitude.
“Nah. After he got ready for bed, I told him the condensed version of what happened between Sasha and Jenna.” He looked at her and chuckled. “You’re his new hero, by the way. Right up there with Wolverine of the X-Men, Roan, The Punisher, and Flynn.”
“Second after Wolverine. You must be slipping.” Flynn grinned at Roan, a twinkle of mischief in his light eyes.
“Mmmph,” Roan grunted, not rising to the bait.
“Oh, and Roan? He asked if he could be there for Sasha’s transformation. In fact, he seemed quite agitated about it until I promised to talk to you.”
Roan, Flynn, and Charlie all exchanged an odd look.
“What? Why would he ask to be there? I’m not sure I want a child to see me go through that.” She wasn’t really sure she wanted any of them to see it.
“Tell her, Mother,” Roan said.
“I guess I should, especially if he asked to be there.”
“Tell her what?” Sasha was a little confused. It was a feeling she was getting used to. Unfortunately.
“Dillon is…special,” she hedged.
“In what way?” Sasha hoped the boy wasn’t sick or anything like that.
“Oh, nothing like you would think,” she assured hastily, seeing the look on Sasha’s face. “He’s perfectly healthy. No, he has a certain trait that a few Lupus are gifted with every now and then. Unfortunately, he wasn’t supposed to develop this gift until after his First Transformation.” She took a deep breath. “You see, Dillon has unique…talents.”
“Like?” Sasha prompted, having a feeling she knew where this was going.
“Like, he’ll get a feeling sometimes about things that are going on or going to happen or about certain individuals. Or he’ll know when someone’s about to call or come by.”
“So, you’re saying that he’s what? Psychic?”
“Not in the true sense of the word, no. He’s just highly sensitive.”
Sasha thought about that for a second. “Hmm, must be unnerving sometimes to have a child your son’s age say things like that.” Lord knew she would find it strange, but then, she was smack in the middle of strange so she really couldn’t throw stones.
“Yes and no. There have been quite a few sensitives in the Pack over the course of our history. My father was one, the effects of which caused his mental state to break down with age; so was Gabe’s grandmother, but never one so young. I’m just afraid that after his First Transformation, it could get stronger.” Charlie’s expression was one of concern and a little fear. Normal, Sasha supposed. For Charlie and Dillon, James’ attack certainly brought that fact closer to home than they all wanted as well.
“Then that’s what he meant by me being Alpha. He really could smell it.” Sasha thought about what Flynn had told her earlier.
“Yes. And if he feels that strongly about being at your First Transformation, for whatever reason, then I’m afraid he’ll have to attend,” Roan said.
Sasha shook her head. “I don’t know, Roan. I’m still trying to come to terms with all this. I really don’t think I’ll feel comfortable with your baby brother watching.”
“He’s twelve and very smart for his age, but we don’t have to worry about it now. We still have four”—he looked at his watch—”make that three and a half days to prepare. That’s plenty of time to decide.”
Sasha didn’t say anything, just shrugged. They would see.
Gabe yawned, then got up and turned to leave. “Well, I for one am not going to worry about it tonight. I’m for bed.”
“Me, too.” Charlie nodded. “You kids don’t stay up too much longer. Sasha needs her rest.” She gave each of her sons a hug, then Sasha. “Good night, daughter.”
“Good night,” Sasha replied. She couldn’t call her Mother yet, but it did feel right to think it so.
Charlie smiled knowingly at Sasha, then left as well.
“She’s right. Sasha does need rest,” Roan agreed. “She’s done more in a day than most do in a month.”
“You know, I am tired, but not how you would think. More like being tired from a day of accomplishments. Which is kind of funny ‘cause I haven’t really done anything.” She chuckled as they too got up and left the dining room.
“On the contrary, you’ve accomplished a great deal,” Flynn pointed out as they walked through the foyer and up the stairs. “You’re alive, for one. The biggest accomplishment most can make in your situation.”
“You’ve also had to hear and deal with a lot of new things that have a great impact on your life now,” Roan added.
“In that case, I guess I should be passed out by now.” She laughed softly so as not to wake anyone when they got to the hallway, the bedrooms nearby.
Roan walked up to her, taking her hand and patting it. “I’ve every confidence in you, my dear. You’ll be a great asset to the Pack and an even greater one to my brother.” He lifted her hand to his lips and lightly kissed her knuckles, said good night, then left to find his bed.
She was speechless. Flynn wasn’t.
“Mmm, must be that apple scent of yours.” He chuckled, ushering her into his room, then closing the door.
“What do you mean?” She was a bit unnerved about being alone with Flynn. In his room. With the bed so close. Alone.
“Let’s just say that Roan is your typical lone wolf. Comes with being Alpha. He doesn’t let his guard down often, especially around women. You’re one of the few.”
“Oh.” That’s about all she could say.
“Makes me glad you’re my True Mate. Otherwise we could have been competing for you,” Flynn said with a mischievous grin.
“Now, Flynn, I hope you know I would never dare to come between brothers. That wouldn’t be right.” She felt a little shocked Flynn would bring it up and more than a bit uncomfortable about the conversation. Being alone with Flynn wasn’t helping, either. Since getting to know him these past few hours, sharing a great kiss, and experiencing a mind-blowing orgasm from his talented fingers, she wanted him more than she thought possible. All he had to do was smile at her, and she was creaming in her panties. But it was scary because she really didn’t know him. Nor was she used to these intense feelings he had brought out in her.
“Don’t worry. It wouldn’t be anything like that. No coming to blows or anything. We’re too close for that. No, when we were younger, it used to be a game between us. If we found a female we both wanted, then we agreed the best man would win. No sore loser. Very civilized.”
“Uh-huh. So who won the most?”
“It was usually a draw until Roan became Alpha.” Then he paused, about to say something else, but looked like he thought better of it.
Sasha could only imagine what he was thinking, but being twins, and gorgeous ones at that, well, there was only one conclusion. Yep, they probably shared said female. Not unusual, but right now, not something she wanted to dwell on. Her own thoughts were too full with one twin at the moment. Both would probably send her over the edge. And Flynn’s scent was already doing things to her body she really didn’t need right then as her thoughts zeroed in on what they shared earlier in this room.
She sat down on the edge of the bed, feeling the day catch up with her. Flynn sat in the corner chair, most likely trying to put her at ease. It really didn’t help. Her nerves were stretched pretty tight. She needed to keep the conversation going, so she asked, “Why then? Why after he became Alpha?”
“As you could probably guess, it was the power and prestige. But being Alpha is a demanding job. Taking care of the Pack and its assets is a big task. Not really much time for a social life or relationship.”
“But he has had a few since becoming Alpha.”
“Yeah, very few.” He chuckled. “Not many females like being a second thought. Although to tell you the truth, I just think he hasn’t found the right one yet.”
“You mean like a True Mate?”
“I wish.” He snorted. “Out of the sixty or so Mated couples, there are only eight True Mates. We make nine.” He smiled sadly. “But realistically, I just want him to find the right one and be happy.”
“Who knows?” She shrugged. “Maybe being twins won’t just be in your looks alone, and he’ll luck out and find a True Mate too.” She was getting nervous because their little talk was coming to an end.
“Maybe,” he reluctantly agreed. “You don’t have to be scared of me, Sasha. I won’t bite.” He smiled, knowing where her thoughts had been going the entire time. Though he really didn’t have to guess—he could see and smell her nervousness. And the deer-in-the-headlights look was an even bigger clue.
She huffed out a breath. “I know. It’s just that I wasn’t expecting us to sleep together. Not on our first night.” She blushed.
Flynn got out of the chair, walking the few feet toward her, then knelt and took her hands. “I meant what I said earlier—you’re the one who has to make the first move. And as much as I want—hell, crave—making love to you, we both know you aren’t ready yet. I won’t push that or you. Okay?” He smiled at her.
“Okay.” She let out the breath that she unknowingly was holding. She was still nervous, though not as bad. “I’m just not used to sharing a bed with a man, you know? My relationships have been few and far between.”
“Don’t worry. You need sleep and rest tonight. You’re still recovering and not just physically.” He kissed her hands, before standing and crossing to the dresser. “ I like to sleep free. But we’re getting to know each other, so I’ll wear the bottoms and you take the top.” “I don’t want to put you out, Flynn. If you’re not comfortable with clothes on, I can find another room.” She started to rise.
“Nonsense. You belong right here.” He gave her the top. “Besides, it’s a small price to pay to have you here. Not to mention being away from you for any length of time makes me uncomfortable.” She took the top, hugging it to her chest for comfort. “I’m really sorry, Flynn.”
He looked at her with a bit of surprise on his face. “For what?”
“For turning your life upside down.”
“Upside down?” He touched her cheek. “Oh, sweetheart, you’ve made my life whole, for the first time. I mean, I never knew what I was missing before I met you. And now that I know, there’s no way I could ever go back. I wouldn’t want to.” His voice was soft but full of conviction.
She nuzzled his hand, enjoying its warmth. “I feel like I’ve known you my whole life, but I haven’t. It’s all so confusing.” She frowned, pulling back. “We have time. Now go change in the bathroom and I’ll change out here. I can feel your exhaustion, and it worries me.”
“Yes, Doctor.”
It didn’t take her long to switch her clothes for the PJ top. But she still stalled. It kept going through her mind she was about to climb in the same bed as Flynn. No sex, but still sleep in the same bed.
Lord, give me strength
, she prayed as she stepped out the door and saw Flynn bare-chested. She almost choked on her own tongue seeing all that male muscle on display. Thank God he wasn’t naked; she would have gone into cardiac arrest. And to think she was about to sleep next to this man. It was enough to make her bolt back to the bathroom. But she was no coward. She could do this. Though if he touched her, she wasn’t sure she’d be able to control herself. Hell, even she had her limits. And seeing Flynn half naked was definitely her limit.
“Ready?”