Treasured Find (Royal Pride Book 1) (24 page)

Chapter Thirty-Three

Rafe carried her into the garage and climbed the stairs to the loft. The nook that overlooked Jasmine’s work area had been transformed overnight. He’d asked Kade to bring some blankets up here, but his brother had really outdone himself. Thick quilts were spread on the floor and tapestries were strung up around the makeshift bed. From the exposed beams in the ceiling, camp lanterns were hung. A basket in the corner held what smelled like potpourri—a tad strong for his taste but Jasmine would like it—and massage oils. He gave the little spot one last glance and chuckled.

It was corny, borderline cheesy, but the fact that Kade had decorated the spot for Rafe and Jasmine meant more than any words of acceptance Kade could have given.

“This is beautiful.” She turned her gray eyes, puffy and red from crying, on to him. “Did you do this for me?”

“It’d like to say yes, but I can’t. Kade fixed this spot for us.”

“I didn’t think he liked me.”

He knelt with Jasmine still cradled against his chest. “Why would you say that?”

“He always has a scowl on his face when he looks at me.”

He laid her down and stretched out next to her. “Kade was born first, and he always complains that our mother mixed us up right after birth. That I should be the one in charge of our pride, not him.” He skimmed a hand over her belly. “Sometimes I think he may be right. Mother always called us by the wrong name when we were children. It’s why I let my hair grow long while he kept his short.”

She pushed to her knees, obviously not in the mood to snuggle with him. He couldn’t blame her. The timing was bad, but he needed to touch her. To remind himself she was safe. She skimmed her fingers over his knuckles as if she sensed his need for her.

“I had a hard time telling Seth and Levi apart those first couple of weeks too. I kept Seth in blue and Levi in yellow until I learned to distinguish their cries. Seth was more intense.”

That he was. The child would need guidance as he grew but it wasn’t his fault he had a hard time reining in his emotions. It only meant his animal spirits were more stubborn than Levi’s. Rafe hated to think of the issues Jasmine would’ve had to tackle once they hit puberty.

He sat back on his legs, matching her pose. “It’s been a long time since I was around shifter babies, but I remember how hard it is to care for them. You’ve done a wonderful job with Seth and Levi. They’re healthy and have a good sense of morality.”

She inched closer to him so their knees touched. “It was hard, especially after they first shifted. They didn’t seem to have any control of it. Once I was pushing a stroller down the street and Levi changed. Thankfully he was in the back of the double seats and I was able to get him into the car without anybody seeing. I rarely took them out after that until they got a little older. Stress seemed to be a trigger.”

“That it is.” He lifted her arm and traced the claw marks there. They weren’t deep, more of a scratch but it had scarred. “One of the boys did this?”

She nodded.

“You’re lucky he didn’t hurt you more seriously.”

She yanked her arm free. “It was an accident. He didn’t do it on purpose.”

“I never said he did. Don’t be defensive. I didn’t mean it negatively.”

“I know.” She dropped her gaze. “I’m nervous. I need to talk to you, and I don’t know where to start.”

“This is more than just about us, isn’t it?”

“Yes.” She peeked at him from under her lashes. “Have you looked at your phone lately?”

“No, I left it in the car charging. It was dead. Why?”

“Cindy, Tony’s neighbor, sent pictures of documents she was holding for him to your phone. Megan has a twin—”

“Molly.” He sat up straighter. “I know. Megan told me about her. It’s why I went to the shifter agency.”

“The papers are from a lawyer who was arranging her adoption.” Jasmine gripped his hand tighter. “There’s more. Cindy was involved with Tony and another guy.
Together.
” She looked imploringly at him as if she wasn’t sure he’d understand what she was getting at.

“They were lovers?”

“Yes, and…” She licked her lips. “I told her to come over here. I’m afraid for her. The other guy…the way Cindy described him…he could’ve been the shifter from the hotel. His name’s not Jon, though. It’s—”

“It’s Jonah, isn’t it?”

Jon had often used alternated versions of his name to create new identities. It was a common practice among shifters. Rafe had done so himself.

“Yes.” Jasmine pressed a hand to her mouth. “Cindy’s in danger, isn’t she?”

“Probably.” He stood, pulling Jasmine with him. So much for the few minutes of privacy to talk about them. “We need to warn her. Tell her to get to a public place. Somewhere busy.”

Jon had already proven with his aggressiveness toward Jasmine in the hotel lobby that he didn’t have a problem pushing what he could get away with in front of humans, but more eyes watching Jon would create a small level of protection for Cindy. Hopefully.

“She was headed over to a storage unit to get some more of Tony’s things, then she’s coming over.”

“She’s not going to find anything. Evan already took the box that belonged to Tony. We’ll call her. Come on.” Rafe hurried with Jasmine across the yard to his car, retrieved his phone, then ushered her into the house.

Kade turned at their approach. Rafe gave him a quick rundown of what he’d learned, then shoved his phone into Kade’s hands to text the pictures to Ella at the Shifter Affairs agency.

That done, Rafe dialed Cindy’s number on the landline. She didn’t answer. He ended the call and tried her house. Nothing.

The lack of response set Rafe on edge. He met Jasmine’s gaze. “I’m going to the storage unit. If Cindy shows up, call me.” He took his phone from Kade’s outstretched hand.

But it’d be a miracle if she did arrive safe and sound. If Jon hadn’t killed Cindy before, it was because he still needed her, probably so he could get his hands on the same documents she’d sent to Rafe.

The papers had the lawyer’s address who was handling Molly’s adoption. Knowing that, it’d be a simple matter of tracking down the human and either stealing the information of Molly’s whereabouts or coercing it out of him, maybe in a similar manner as Jon had done with Tony. Either way, Rafe had to make sure the papers didn’t fall into the wrong hands.

He couldn’t lose Molly. He’d promised.

Chapter Thirty-Four

Jazz watched Rafe walk away and pressed against the ache in her chest. Everything was spiraling out of control. They needed to talk, but life wasn’t giving them a chance.

The minute he returned with Cindy, Jazz would escape with him to their bedroom.

She snorted. Had she actually complained about life being too boring? She’d take the mundane stuff over what she’d been dealing with since Tony died.

Her stomach growled, reminding her that she’d been up for a while yet hadn’t eaten. She made a detour on the way to the kitchen to check on the kids. Mira sat with them, watching cartoons. Jazz spent some time talking to them, carefully avoiding the topic of Mr. Wilkins and his dogs, then retreated to the kitchen.

Josh leaned against the far wall with a phone to his ear. After a moment, he lowered it and cursed.

“Is everything okay?”

He slipped the phone into his rear pocket. “I guess. I’m probably just overreacting. I’m sure everything is fine.”

“About what?”

“I called my parents’ house. There’s no answer.”

The guilt rushed up, making her chest hurt and pulse pound. “I never thought about asking Rafe to send someone out to them. I just…”

“Stop it, Jazz. I didn’t either.” A tic started in his jaw, and he clenched his fists until his knuckles turned white before releasing them. “I never thought about my parents. What the hell does that say about me?”

“Your life has been turned upside down. I’ve had five years to get used to this world, but I still wasn’t prepared for murdering shifters threatening my family. On top of finding out shifters existed in the first place, you got Megan and lost your brother. I’d say that’s excuse enough.”

“Excuse? Is that what I should say when the cops call and tell me my parents were found murdered too? Or should I blame it on a cougar?”

She cringed.

“Yeah. I know about Mr. Wilkins. Mira woke me up and told me.” He raked his fingers through his hair. “I didn’t even freaking hear you scream.”

“You were tired. You—”

“Should have known. My damn window was open.”

Jazz pressed her lips together. Arguing with him would get her nowhere. He’d been tired. It was perfectly understandable. He was only human.

“Look. I wouldn’t worry about your parents yet. They live smack dab in the middle of town. There’re lots of people around. Rafe said that would deter Jon.” She twisted her fingers together. “Besides, they might be at church or something. Maybe the library. Now that they’ve retired they’re more active than we are.”

“I’ve been telling myself the same thing. It’s not unusual for them to be out, and since they don’t have a cell, they’re hard to get a hold of.” He glanced out the kitchen window. “I just have a bad feeling. There is no logical reason why this guy would hurt Mr. Wilkins. Your kids weren’t there.”

“I don’t know either.”

“Look, Jazz, I think moving home with Rafe’s family is the safer choice for you and the kids.”

She’d thought the same until Jon attacked Mr. Wilkins. “Okay, say I do. Rafe and his family will go with us. Who’s going to protect you? Your parents?”

“Don’t worry about us. Once you and the kids are gone, they’ll be no reason to go after us.”

She gave him a wan smile. “Are you kicking me out?”

He brushed the back of his hand over her cheek. “Never. Think of it as a honeymoon for you and Rafe. You can always reevaluate later and move back.”

She covered his hand and grinned. “I never said I’m marrying him.”

Josh chuckled. “No, you’re going to
mate
him. From how Mira explained it, mating sounds the same as marriage, just without the option for divorce.”

She rolled her eyes to hide how much the thought of mating Rafe affected her. The idea of loving him and growing old with him thrilled her. Sure, she wished the option of kids were open, but if Rafe was okay with not having any, so was she. Besides, they could always adopt. Maybe little girls. Jazz would love to see Rafe with daughters.

“We’ll see. I haven’t known Rafe long enough to think about marriage or mating. We still need to get to know each other without the craziness going on around us.”

“I doubt it’ll change his mind. The way he looks at you borders on obsession.” He shrugged. “It makes me a little jealous.”

“I thought you were okay with me and Rafe.”

Josh cupped her face in his hands and leaned close. She was left staring into the blue eyes she’d looked into for what felt like forever. A lifetime of memories passed between them—once lovers, always friends.

“I am. It just reminds me of everything I missed out on by not going after you when you moved home. I could’ve pursued you until you gave in. You have a soft spot for me, you know.”

She gave him a small smile. She couldn’t deny his statement. He could’ve worn her resistance down if he’d wanted.

He matched her smile, obviously understanding what she hadn’t said. “And being with you would’ve fulfilled my dreams. A wife. Kids. Family. That’s all I’ve ever wanted. You would’ve given that to me. Now, I’ll never have it.”

“Not with me, but there are other women in town who’d love to date you.”

He released her. “Nah, they just want sex. That scene gets old after a while, and I’m tired of playing in it. I’m giving up on women. I’ll just sit back and watch you and your shifter live the life I can’t have.”

“What? You’re going to be a bachelor forever? Won’t that get lonely?”

“I can always get a cat.” He chuckled, then made his way to the hallway door.

His phone rang. He yanked it out.

“Hello?”

He listened for a moment, then tensed. “Mom, stop crying. Lock the doors and get inside the bathroom. I’ll be there as soon as I can.”

Josh slid the phone into his pocket and ran from the room.

She went after him and grabbed his arm. He yanked away and picked up his car keys. She spread her arms wide in front of the door.

“Wait a minute. What happened?”

“He’s there! At my parents’ house.”

“Your mom saw him?”

“Yes, she saw him. Not too many lions roaming the streets of West Virginia.”

He stepped closer. She widened her stance.

“Get out of my way, Jazz.”

“And what do you think you’re going to do? They live over ten minutes away! By the time you get there, they’ll be dead.”

“I can’t sit here and do nothing.” He lifted her, his hands on her hips, and set her to the side.

She opened her mouth to yell for Devin or Kade. They had to be close. The sight of Mira approaching from behind stopped Jazz’s bellow.

In one quick move, Mira yanked the car keys out of Josh’s hands, then wrapped her arms around his waist.

Josh spun and grabbed her upper arms but didn’t squeeze them. He used them to hold her in place while he leaned close, nose to nose.

“Mira, let go.” The order in his voice was clear.

Mira shook her head. “I can’t let you go. Jazz is right. Your parents will be dead by the time you get there. And if Jon’s close by, he’ll kill you too. Going out there by yourself is suicide.”

He eased back, putting space between them, but Mira’s hold on him didn’t lessen. Agony etched lines on his face. “I have to do something.”

“Devin or Kade will go. Be realistic, Josh.” Mira looked imploringly at him. “What are you going to do? You’re only human.”

Josh pushed her away, then strode to the window. “Call them.”

Mira hurried to where her cell phone sat charging on the end table.

“Mom, is everything okay?” Seth asked from the top of the stairs. “We heard yelling.”

No. Everything is not okay.
She glanced from Josh, who held his head in his hands, to the front door, then back to where Seth stood at the top of the stairs. Once again, she was forced to play two roles—protector and nurturer.

“Yeah, kiddo. Just grown-up stuff. Put on another movie, and I’ll bring some popcorn up in a few minutes.”

“Okay, Mom.”

She waited until his bedroom door clicked before turning to Josh. “Please stay here while I take care of the kids. Don’t run off and do something stupid.”

Josh snorted. “Right. Nothing stupid. I am only human.”

“I mean it, Josh. You get yourself killed, and Megan will be devastated. She loves you.”

He nodded but didn’t say anything else. It was the best she’d get. She hurried into the kitchen, made the popcorn and breathed a sigh when she found Josh sitting on the couch.

Jazz ran up the steps.

She delivered her snack and spent longer than she wanted assuring the kids everything was fine. It was a lie, but how was she supposed to tell them the truth? Already they knew there was a dangerous man after them. They didn’t need any more stress.

Once they were settled, she made her way to the living room afraid she was going to find it empty since she’d left Josh alone so long.

Rafe’s booming voice rang out. She smiled and hurried to greet him, but the sight of him alone stopped her halfway down the stairs.

“Where’s Cindy?”

Rafe didn’t say anything. He opened his arms. She stared at him for a minute while her vision blurred. His silent offer of comfort could mean only one thing.

Cindy was dead.

Jazz blinked several times until Rafe’s strong features came into view before she went to him. Wrapped in his embrace, a sense of rightness settled over her, despite the horrible circumstances. No matter what life brought them, he’d be there for her. Her anchor. She grabbed his shirt and pulled him closer.

“How?” She couldn’t bring herself to say more.

“A dresser that was stored in the storage unit toppled on her.”

“You couldn’t save her?”

“No, but she told me to call the cops. That her lover pushed the dresser on her, and that you were in danger.”

“Cindy was trying to help Molly.”

“So was Tony. They just didn’t know the danger they were in.”

“I don’t understand.” She tipped her head back to meet his gaze. “Jon killed two people and hurt another. Why? To get the kids?”

Rafe smoothed his hands over her back. “I know this isn’t the best time, but we need to talk. You need to know what you’re getting yourself involved in before things go any further between us.”

She glanced over her shoulder. Mira and Josh stood close by, watching them while Devin’s multi-colored hair was visible through the open window.

“Let’s go upstairs.” Her bedroom was the only place guaranteed to offer them privacy.

With the door closed behind them, Rafe faced her. “I told you the first Royals were the offspring of the goddesses and their favored warriors. The Royals were sent to live with their fathers because they couldn’t remain in the heavens. At some point, though, the warriors realized their children weren’t just stronger than them. They were immortal.”

Jazz gasped. “You’re…you’ll live forever?”

Rafe slowly nodded, never breaking their gaze. “Unless I lose my head, I will live until the world ends. A Royal will even regrow a limb if we lose one. Thankfully, in my five centuries of life, that’s never happened. I’ve been told it’s quite painful.”

He was five hundred years old. The fact settled over her, leaving her cold and shaky, but it was the consequence of what that meant that left her weak-kneed and sick to her stomach.

We’ll never grow old together.

That was what he was telling her. Her dreams shattered around her. She lowered her gaze to the floor. She didn’t even know how to react. Happy that he still wanted be with her or saddened that they’d eventually be separated by her death.

Rafe cupped her face in his hands and leaned close. “But if you mate me, you will live as long as I do. You’ll be stronger than other humans. Retain your youthful appearance. Never get sick. You simply won’t be immortal. You’ll share
my
immortality. Does that make sense?”

Did it? She let his words repeat in her head.

“So if I lose a limb, I won’t regrow it.” She gave him a small smile.

He pressed his lips to hers. “Yes, but if you get hurt, you’ll heal. It’ll just take you longer as you borrow my strength to mend your body.”

Because she would be tied to his soul and he was tied to the goddess who’d birthed his ancestor.

“And the single animal shifters aren’t immortal.”

“Exactly, and some of the first warriors grew jealous of their children. They hauled their Royal offspring before the gods and the goddesses and demanded immortality too or they’d behead the Royals. The deities refused. Luckily, not all single shifters agreed with the ones demanding to be given eternal life and saved those first Royals.”

He took a deep breath and went on. “Time passed and the animosity between the Royals and shifters rose and fell over the centuries, but we endured. That’s changed in the last two centuries. Now, the Royals are facing extinction.”

“What’s changed?”