Three Hours (Seven Series Book 5) (36 page)
He sucked in a sharp breath. Everyone clapped and made noise, and our two guests slowly stood up to leave.
“Let’s save the foreplay for later, kitty cat,” he whispered in my ear.
“We’ll just be on our merry way,” the older gentleman said. “Be good, you two. I don’t want to see you in Shifter divorce court.” He cackled, and I peered over Wheeler’s shoulder to watch them leave.
That’s when I saw someone unexpected. Ben stood in the hall outside the kitchen, watching with a rueful expression. Just as Wheeler caught the direction of my gaze and began to turn, Ben walked out of sight.
“What are you looking at?” Wheeler asked.
“Nothing, my love.”
I held hope that the two brothers would one day mend the rift between them. God knows they had plenty of centuries to figure it out, and who knows, maybe someday Ben would redeem himself. Perhaps he needed this time away so he could stop depending on others to believe in him and learn to believe in himself.
“Got something else for you,” Wheeler said, turning to face me.
“I’m afraid to ask. I’m already on the verge of a fainting spell on your kitchen floor.”
He reached down and peeled off his shirt.
“Now?” I asked with a seductive purr in my voice. “Here? If this is part of the mating ceremony for wolves, then I might have an objection.”
I watched him smile beneath his scruffy beard, and then I noticed it. My eyes traveled down to his tatted arms and then crossed his chest to the scar from the bullet. I reactively reached out and rubbed my finger on the ink.
“Is this real?”
“Yeah, Naya. This is as real as it gets.”
On his right pec near the shoulder, a tattoo of a black panther encircled his scar. Its head was turned with a fierce growl, displaying its sharp teeth. Of all the scars Wheeler had covered, this was one he used his ink to draw attention to.
I looked up into his brown eyes, the color of sweet tea in the morning sun. “I thought you said it was bad luck to get another animal on your body.”
He cupped my cheeks in his hands. “Maybe it is when it’s something that doesn’t matter. You matter.”
“Let’s eat,” Lynn said. “Before everything gets cold. I have three breakfast casseroles in the oven to celebrate.”
“Oh, and I made croissants!” Lexi said excitedly, hopping off the bench and scurrying to the kitchen.
“Music to my ears,” Denver said, straddling the bench. “Come here, Peanut. Did you think that was fun?”
“It’s not like the weddings on TV,” she said.
Denver shook his head. “All that stuff doesn’t matter.”
“Don’t tell her that,” I scolded. “Maizy, someday you’ll find a prince who will sweep you off your feet and give you the dreamiest wedding you’ve ever imagined. Your mama will be so proud, and you can make your big sister your bridesmaid!”
“I think you can only be one of those when you’re single,” Lexi pointed out, setting a casserole dish on the table.
I reached over and pinched off a piece of the cheese, taking a nibble. “Rules were always meant to be broken.”
“Well, I don’t want one of
those
,” Maizy declared, nodding her head toward Wheeler’s tattoo. She put her knees on the bench and leaned forward on the table, peering at the large bowl of biscuits.
“Yeah, well, what do you want?” Denver asked.
“I want my true love to read to me. And a ring.”
“A ring?” he said in an exaggerated voice. “What would you do with a ring?” Denver buttered a biscuit and put it on her plate.
“I don’t know.”
“Maybe it’s because a ring isn’t so important. Don’t you want a good mate to take care of you?”
Lynn set a jar of strawberry preserves in front of him. “My daughter is going to
marry
, not mate. Isn’t that right, honey?”
Maizy smiled and sat down, smelling the biscuit. “Maybe I won’t get married. Maybe I’ll move to a faraway country and be an explorer.”
“There’s nothing left to discover, Peanut. It’s all been found.”
Lexi came up behind Maizy and hugged her tight. “You can be whatever you want to be, Maze. I can’t wait to see all the amazing things you’re going to do.”
This was too emotional! I turned and wrapped my arms around Wheeler’s neck, standing on my tiptoes. We held each other for a moment while everyone settled in their places and began talking about the next party.
“Don’t ever do that again,” Reno said to Austin.
“What?”
“Put Lexi in charge of costumes.”
Trevor barked out a laugh. “Reno looked like a neutered stray.”
“Say, what if we rotate?” William suggested.
“Then I’m next,” Reno quickly said. “How ’bout that?”
Lexi sat down and scooped a helping of casserole onto her plate. “Scrap that idea. I have no desire to see what kind of biker gear Reno would dress me in.”
“On the contrary, I might like that idea.” Austin winked at her and stole a quick kiss.
“Naya, you’re going to help me again for our next party,” Lexi said decidedly.
I ran my fingers through the loose, silky curls on my head and grinned. “I think I’m going to retire my dancing shoes and try something new for a change.”
Wheeler walked around the table and sat down in his seat. Ben’s absence was strangely felt as Wheeler glanced at the empty spot where he normally sat. But it wouldn’t be empty for long. I decided my mate would always know someone would be at his side. He quickly turned away and smiled up at me.
“Darling, would you like some coffee?” I offered.
A few people turned their heads and looked between one another.
He pushed his empty cup forward and chuckled, shaking his head. “
Love
some, kitty cat.”
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THE MAGERI SERIES
is an exciting urban fantasy romance following the journey of a young woman's claim to immortality, and her own identity. Dark, unique, passionate, and full of unpredictable twists, the Mageri series provides an original spin to an old concept.
THE SEVEN SERIES
is a paranormal romance that portrays Shifters living in secret in the modern world. A blend of humor, heartwarming romance, drama, and real-life issues. This series is for those who believe in family, second chances, and finding that person who completes you. Cliffhanger-free.
Note:
All my fantasy stories are written in the same universe. Same Breeds, same rules, and may contain character crossovers/appearances.
Sometimes ordinary people are destined for extraordinary lives.
Books by Dannika Dark:
THE MAGERI SERIES
NOVELLAS
THE SEVEN SERIES
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