The Alpha Wants Everything Book 1 The King's Queen
Chapter 46: You’re still beautiful!

Stepping out of the airport a few hours later into the coolness of the early morning, Carter was standing there waiting for them. His eyes cast down as soon as he saw his Alpha approaching. Kane was angry, he spent the last few hours in a tin can with a man sleeping on his shoulder hogging all the leg room.

“It wasn’t that bad!” Johnny said,

“You didn’t have someone sleeping on you the entire flight” Kane grumbled,

“True, but you didn’t have to throw him on the floor,” Johnny said to him laughing.

“The flight was over!” Kane growled.

“Good morning Carter!” Johnny called to him.

“Morning Beta!” Carter replied, his eyes still turned down, he opened the back passenger door for them and accepted their bags. Kane never said a word, just climbed in grumbling about being tired and hungry. Johnny climbed in after him offering Carter a smile. He closed the door and moved to put their bags in the back.

“Say something to him” Johnny urged “You can practically feel the boys anxiety levels shooting through the roof”

“He is not a boy, he is the same age as us” Kane responded, but Johnny just arched his eyebrow at him. Kane rolled his eyes and huffed. When Carter climbed in the front seat, Kane noticed the bruising around his knuckles on his right hand, glancing at his left he saw the same discoloration. He must have done some serious damage for it to not have healed yet. Before Kane could say a word he spoke.

“I’m sorry Alpha! I failed to do my job” Johnny elbowed Kane

“She stayed out of trouble for the most part, aside from stealing a truck. What happened unfortunately was unforeseeable. We couldn’t have planned for it, even if we tried” Kane said, “You didn’t fail, now I would like to go home and see my mate, where is she?”

“With Damon in the medical ward” he replied, he started the truck and pulled out from the curb in front of the airport.

“Happy!” Kane said to Johnny through the mind link

“Yes!” Johnny laughed

Arriving back at the house, Kane went straight to the medical ward, he took in the damage done to the area. Between the two of them maybe they really could bring down the house. The windows were all shattered not only in her room but the ones that surrounded hers. Not to mention the broken medical equipment that was being placed in the halls. Opening the door to her room, he saw her lying in the bed. He watched the rise and fall of her chest with each steady breath she took. Though her eyes were closed, he saw the rapid movements of the dream she was locked into. He could only hope it was a pleasant one and not some nightmare she was reliving.

Damon was camped out in a chair next to her bed, his head tilted to the side, his arms hung over the sides, and his legs crossed at the ankles stretched out in front of him. He reached his hand out to graze her cheek, when Damon’s hand shot out and grabbed a hold of his wrist. A low warning growl sounded around the room and when he turned to look at Damon with a questioning eyebrow, glowing green eyes stared back at him. Titan was unhappy about the intrusion into her room and his guard was up. Damon blinked a few times before he registered what was going on and who was in the room. He removed his hand from Kane’s wrist.

“Sorry!” He croaked out before he sat up and rubbed his eyes.

“What were you doing?” Kane asked, Damon looked at her then back at him.

“I….I….I let her down once, she doesn’t need anymore attacks, she’s had a hard enough night” Damon said. Kane just nodded, he brushed a stray strand of hair from her face, noticing the increase in swelling on her left cheek and the sutures.

“What happened?” Kane asked, looking down at his sleeping angel.

“I don’t fucking know” Damon ran his hands through his hair.

“Start from the beginning, after you stole the truck” Kane pulled up another chair.

“Yeah! About that….” Damon started but Kane waved it off “We went to Lydia’s, got things for a spa day, she was looking for a candle, but Lydia didn’t have it, so we had to make a pit stop by the warehouse so she could make it. She….it was clear, she no longer felt or feels safe there anymore. I had to pull her out of the warehouse, she’s a stubborn little thing. Picked up junk from the grocery store and then went to Glenda’s Diner to grab more food. She’s an interesting one by the way. Back to the warehouse to grab the candle, then back to Lydia’s to pick her up. Dax invited her” he added.

“Dax invited her because she is your mate” Kane stated “Your second chance mate”

“Yeah! Then she had an altercation with some bitch on the sidewalk, yelling at her about some fucking store her husband sold to you. The bitch slapped her and Carter and I stepped in. We got back to the house. She had a moment in the kitchen, but we talked her down. Then girls night ensued. They painted mud all over their faces and painted their nails, you know girly shit. Things came to a close, both Carter and I left, but only after making sure she was ok. Then I get a phone call from Johnny telling me you’re ripping apart the back seat of a car.” Damon continued his explanation of the night

“I found her in the kitchen, with a death grip on a piece of plate. She cut the palm of her hand real bad and the side of her face.” Kane looked over at her, he turned her hand over seeing the bandage on her palm. His fingers trailed up hers, when he turned her hand back over he noticed she wasn’t wearing any nail polish. He looked back at Damon quizzically.

“She didn’t get anything done. The hair mask and the face mask I understand, but after she painted Lacey’s nails there wasn’t time for her to get her nails done. At least there wasn’t according to Lacey. Which was fucking bullshit by the way. She pulled off one hell of a night on the fly and couldn’t participate in any of it. That’s fucking stupid.” Damon responded, He was rather upset about the events of girls night. It didn’t sit right with him that his sister couldn’t participate. Titan was grumbling in his head about it being bullshit as well, there was time they all knew there was time, but Lacey was being….Lacey.

“I didn’t call her princess once,” he added. Kane smiled at the name Damon uses on his sister all the time, even throughout their childhood together. What he once used as a term of endearment, became an insult.

“Now you are camped out in her room?” Kane asked,

“I left her once, I wasn’t about to do it again. If Johnny hadn’t called saying you boys needed a ride home from the airport, Carter would be here as well.” Damon replied. Kane could see the guilt in his brother’s eyes. “I had one job Kane, one fucking job and I blew it”

“None of us saw it coming brother.” The moment the word left Kane’s mouth was the first time Damon looked him in the eye since he entered the room. Brother, a simple word, meant more to Damon than Alpha. Brother to Damon held more power than any rank position. To Damon, brother was the highest rank you could achieve. Like Dax, Damon didn’t have family so he created his own, the only difference was that he knew he did it.

“You can not take all the blame for what transpired. If it is your fault then it might as well be my fault for not being here to stop it. You didn’t fail anymore than Carter did. The third in command position is yours if you want it” Kane said to him.

“Are you kidding me? Fuck yeah I want it” Damon was shocked, he thought for certain he was a dead man. She stirred a bit in the bed, but settled back down when Kane placed his hand over hers.

“What did the doctor say?” Kane asked,

“Her x-ray came back fine, no additional damage. And the PET scan showed normal….she doesn’t have a brain injury or disease.” Damon couldn’t remember all the terms the doctor used, and the ones he could remember he couldn’t pronounce. Kane looked at him and he shrugged “He threw a lot of big words at me”

“What did the psychiatrist say?” The mere mention of the psychiatrist caused Damon to release a growl.

“That stupid quack, didn’t need to run no fucking test on her. I could have told him she suffered from a severe panic disorder and PTSD. You don’t have a past like hers and not suffer from it.” Damon huffed “Idiot, wanted to trigger an attack to see her brain light up. Shut that fucking shit down real quick. I’m also not allowed back in radiology without a chaperone” Kane just laughed, he can just imagine what he did to get kicked out. “Neither is Carter, radiology also needs a new door. That boy is a savage,” he added.

“Anything else?” Kane asked, trying to hide the humour he found in what Damon was saying, that also explains the bruising on Carter’s hands.

“He says Carter has an Avoidant personality disorder and borderline compulsive something or other and I have a borderline personality disorder or something we have no idea what he said to us, so Carter hit him….twice and asked him how he liked that for avoidance?” Damon huffed again.

“And you both are concerned you failed, doesn’t sound like failure to me. Johnny will be thrilled I’m not the only one that can bring down the house,” Kane laughed. “Where is your mate Lydia?” The mention of her name brought a dopey love sick expression to Damon’s face.

“She understands, says she’ll see me when she sees me. Truthfully I didn’t want her here in case you decided I was to blame and took my head off.” Kane eyed the mark on Damon’s neck and a smile tugged the corner of his mouth.

“I already heard it from feisty pants, about not buying her dinner first. I wasn’t giving the girl a chance to change her mind” a small blush hit Damon’s cheeks. “Does it bother you, you’ll never bear her mark?”

“Oh, I bear her mark alright. It doesn’t bother me that no one else can see it, could care less actually” Kane answered “Dating wasn’t so bad, it’s rather predatory. And who doesn’t love a good hunt? You should go be with your mate” Damon hesitated, but he got up from his chair, stretched his back, mumbling about how uncomfortable the chairs are to sleep in.

“Damon, nice nail colour” Kane looked over his shoulder.

“I’m killing it right!” Damon held up his hands.

“Thank you brother!” Kane looked back at his mate lying in the hospital bed.

“Quod suus quid facerent fratribus! (That’s what brothers do!)” Came his reply then he left.

“My beautiful little mouse, he is out of your life, now how do we get him out of your beautiful head?” He stood up, gathered her in his arms and walked over to the couch that was in the room. Holding her tight to him he laid down, running his hands through her hair. He kissed her head as she cuddled into his warmth. Mate! Ky purred in his head as her scent filled him.

“I missed you” she mumbled.

“I missed you too,” he whispered, smiling into the darkness.

“You’re back early” she curled into a ball and tried to clutch his shirt, but winced from the pain in her hand.

“I couldn’t stand to be away any longer” his arms moved around her.

“My crazy ass brought you home” she said, she may have said it jokingly, but he could hear the hint of sadness in her voice. She didn’t like that she was being such a burden on him or the others.

“Your ass is not crazy, it’s sexy and it might have aided in my decision to come home earlier than expected” he responded, giving it a squeeze causing her to squeak.

“That is not what I meant and you know it” he kissed her head again.

“I know, it is true that after what happened I wanted to come home immediately, but I didn’t want to stay that long to begin with. I have grown accustomed to waking up with you sleeping on top of me, I don’t think I would sleep if you weren’t. One way or another I wasn’t sleeping without you” he felt his shirt starting to dampen, he held her closer massaging the back of her head while she cried.

“My beautiful little mouse, we’ll get him out of your head” he whispered again, holding her tighter as her tears fell.

Dax woke later Sunday morning, to the sound of hushed tones in her room. She was back in the hospital bed, and someone’s arms were around her. They did not belong to Kane, but they did not feel threatening either. They felt familiar, consoling. She blinked her eyes a few times, when she looked to see who was hugging her, she saw not only Lydia but Lacey as well. It didn’t occur to her that the arms might have belonged to two different people. Trying to figure out whose arm belonged to who, was the next part. She really had to pee. Everytime she woke up she had to drink water to flush the tracer they used out of her body. She tried to move but Lacey held onto her tighter.

“Lacey let go, I have to pee” she whispered, poking her friend in the face.

“Stop poking me Johnny” Lacey yelled at him, the hushed tones on the other side of the room quieted as they all looked in her direction. She stared down at Lacey, her eyes wide, then looked at the boys on the other side of the room.

“I have to pee” was the first thing that came out of her mouth. Damon failed to contain his laughter

“Well good morning to you, feisty pants” he said between bursts of laughter. Kane crossed the room and picked her out of the mess of limbs.

“Good morning baby!” He kissed her forehead and placed her on the ground. She looked over to try and see what they were doing when he turned her in the direction of the bathroom “Nevermind and go pee!” she took another look over there curiosity piqued, but she really needed to pee.

She walked into the bathroom and saw that Johnny had covered the bathroom mirror, did she really look that bad? How could she look worse than she already did? She did her business, with some difficulty, and washed her hands with some difficulty. She looked at the covered mirror, swallowing hard. She pulled the cover off and she gasped at her reflection, the bags under her eyes were deep and dark, they made it look like she had two black eyes instead of just one. The swelling on her cheek was double what it was before. The gash on her forehead though healing was still ugly and the fresh one that laid upon her cheek was ghastly. Her lips were dry, and her eyes were dull. The purple amethyst starbursts were so dark it looked like both her pupils were really dilated, even her normally vibrant white hair was dull and looked dirty. Before she could even react, Kane wrapped his arms around her.

“You’re still beautiful” she looked at him and opened her mouth to say something, but closed it again when she looked back in the mirror.

“This will heal, but you never stopped being beautiful” he covered the mirror up again, she didn’t need to torture herself by continuing to stare into it. He handed her her toothbrush and after watching her awkwardly trying to brush her teeth, decided it would be easier if he did it for her. When that was finished and she rinsed her mouth, his lips met hers.

“Good morning,” he repeated.

“Good morning” she said back with a small smile. One last look at the covered mirror, he led them out of the bathroom. She wasn’t getting back in the bed, Lacey had taken over her vacated spot. He grabbed the blanket and walked her over to the couch. She sat down with him beside her and he wrapped the blanket around her. Why were hospitals so fucking cold all the time?

“What are the plans for Tuesday?” Damon was asking.

“Day trip to Garrison,” Kane replied.

“Kane has a meeting with the real estate agent for the art gallery at 2:00” Johnny reminded him.

“Well I know that, but we have a lot of ground to cover while we are there” Damon said.

“Marco and Kenneth will meet us in Garrison, we’ll divide up there. Marco and Kenneth can go to the warehouse, Johnny and I will take the art gallery and Damon can shake some trees” Kane explained. They nodded, it seemed like a good plan, until…

“Do any of you know about art galleries or the art world?” She asked that question, they all looked at each other.

“You’re not going!” Kane looked at her.

“Ok. Do any of you know about photography studios, or how some photographers work?” She replied instead.

Dax was eyeing his coffee on the table, when he moved it and shook his head, handing her a glass of water instead. She huffed as she accepted it. It was not what she wanted to drink.

“Enlighten us!” Johnny requested.

“Most photographers have an online system, easy to hack into, one problem is they back all their pictures on drives, the smaller the drive the easier they are to hide. The second problem however is some keep a completely separate system, offline to store their files on, and they hide it. So you may destroy the drives and his online system but unless you replace his secret one you won’t get all the images, at least not the originals. And with laptops getting thinner and thinner they are getting easier and easier to hide.” She took a sip of water.

“Fuck!” Was all Damon said,

“We can just track it,” Johnny said,

“Not if it’s offline” She countered,

“And why would you send Kenneth, who knows art, to the warehouse? Why not send him to the art gallery?” She asked “And you don’t technically have to go to the art gallery if you send Kenneth, you got hung up, but didn’t want to miss the opportunity and sent your associate instead” adding as an afterthought.

“Feisty pants is coming with us, isn’t she?” Damon said grinning. Kane looked at her, she half grinned up at him.

“Ok, Johnny and Kenneth will go to the art gallery, I, Marco and….feisty pants will go to the warehouse and Damon and Carter will go shake some trees.” Kane said, shaking his head at her.

They were discussing more things when she turned on the tv in her room. The news came on and she was about to switch the channel, when the broadcast caught her attention she turned it up and everyone went silent.

“In other news, the recent bear attacks in New York have continued. This time at a prison outside the city limits. Two guards were mauled and are recovering in the hospital, however a third man was not as lucky. Inmate Carl Whitekar who was due to be released early this morning lost his life in the savage bear attack. He was convicted of second degree assault back in 2017 and given a 5 year sentence, but became eligible for parole earlier this month….”

“Huh! Must have been a big fucking bear. I’m hungry!” She said, turning off the tv. Johnny cracked up laughing first, followed by Damon. Kane wrapped his arms around her from behind and kissed the back of her head.

“The things that come out of your mouth” he said,

“I could eat!” came Lydia’s voice from the bed,

“Me too!” Lacey’s head popped up as well at the mention of eating.

“You all go ahead, the doctor will be in soon, we will see you up there” Kane said from his spot on the couch. Didn’t have to tell Damon twice he was on his feet, throwing Lydia over his shoulder.

“Damon put me down,” she squealed, laughing hitting his back. Johnny helped Lacey from the bed, while he laughed at Damon. With the room quiet, Kane nuzzled her kissing the back of her neck.

“Last time I threw you over my shoulder like that, you just throat punched a blonde tart” he said letting his lips trail down her ear.

“And you spanked me,” she reminded him.

“But you liked it,” he whispered back. He could feel his skin getting hotter, as sparks moved up his arms. Before they could continue a knock sounded on the door. He took a deep breath and let out a low growl.

“Every fucking time!” He huffed, as he stood up and rolled his shoulders, he opened the door for the doctor.

He bowed and walked in the room, looking over her chart and then he turned to her.

“How are you feeling today, Luna?” He asked, concern evident in his voice.

“Hungry!....and a little sore” he made a note in her file.

“It’s good you have an appetite, and I can give you something for the pain” he gave her a reassuring smile.

“Let’s take a look shall we” she stood up and walked to the bed, where Kane helped her up. He checked her back and the incision on the side. Made notes, he checked the back and the palm of her hand and made more notes, then he checked her cheek and forehead and made even more notes. He shined a penlight in her eyes and watched the reaction.

“How’s the vision in your left eye?” He asked, making more notes

“A little dark” he made more notes,

“You write a lot” she commented watching him write more notes, but he gave her a smile.

“You’re a very intricate little patient and require a lot of writing” he laughed “We’ll keep an eye on the vision and if it doesn’t get brighter in the next few days then we will do another eye exam. Your healing is quite fast for a human and we can take the stitches in your forehead out today. The ones in the back of your hand can come out in a few days. And providing you don’t rip anymore, the ones in your back and side should be the end of the week.” He listened to her breathing and made more notes in her file. Then he left the room for a few minutes and came back with a pair of tweezers and scissors. She sat still...ish while he removed the sutures in her forehead.

“Are you ok?” Kane asked.

“It’s a bit uncomfortable,” she replied.

“You may notice some swelling and minor bleeding as well, if it gets too bad come back. Be careful not to bump it, or you could rip it back open. I will give you bandages for extra support until it fully heals. Use a mild soap to keep it clean and pat the area dry” the doctor instructed.

“Ok!” When he was finished he put some antibiotic ointment on her forehead and then covered it with a bandage.

“All done!” He said and moved away from her.

“We will see you back here this afternoon!” He bowed to Kane and walked out of the room. Kane followed him out, the interaction between the two seemed different, the last time he saw them together he was kicking her out of the medical ward.

“She doesn’t have to stay here?” Kane asked.

“No, she stayed last night, for observation, but I see no reason for her to stay any longer. She is a strong girl, but went through a huge ordeal that took its toll on her, she will need to take it easy for the next little while,” the doctor said with what sounded like admiration in his voice and a hint of something else that Kane couldn’t quite place.

“Why does she need to come back this afternoon?” Kane asked.

“A follow up.” Kane nodded, thanked the doctor and walked back into her room.

“Is everything ok?” She asked looking at him, she had changed back into the clothes she was wearing yesterday and was sitting on the couch waiting for him to come back.

“Yes, I just wanted to make sure you are free to go” He replied looking at her. “As much as I like you wearing my shirts, we are going to have to get you some that fit you better, and button up.” She cast her eyes down, that means more shopping, more spending his money.

“I don’t like buttons” she stated “And the clothes never come in my style”

“Uh huh! What’s the real reason for the sad face?” Kane asked crouching down in front of her and lifting her chin so she would look at him. She was biting her lip, and sadness filled her eyes.

“I haven’t worked, or sold anything in days, whatever customers I had are probably gone, and I barely have enough to cover the rent on the warehouse. I don’t want to spend any more of your money.” She spoke softly.

“You didn’t have a problem spending it yesterday,” He said.

“That was for Lacey, I was the reason Johnny went to New York and wasn’t with her last night and she deserved it” He could see her getting upset.

“So it’s easier to spend our money on someone else, then it is to spend it on you?” Kane asked. “And Lacey would have been ok for one night”

“I kept all the receipts and I’ll pay it all back and I….wh….what?” Her eyes widened when it registered what he said.

“You heard me! I don’t want you to pay it back. You have such a beautiful soul and are truly the most deserving, I want you to understand that. It’s our money and you deserve to spend it on yourself. As for replaceing things in your style, I’m sure we’ll figure something out.” He slid his arms around her waist and pulled her closer to him.

“But I want to contribute to” She buried her face into his chest.

“I know and you will. When and only when you are able to. And don’t worry about the warehouse, it will still be there.” He kissed her head and held her tight to him.

Instead of taking them to breakfast he led them back to their room.

“Easy little mouse, I wouldn’t dream of starving you, but you have blood dried in your hair, and I thought you would prefer getting cleaned up first, before we joined the others.” He cut her off before she could protest. He led her into the bathroom, and started the bath, her face lit up, bringing some of the colour back to her amethyst starbursts.

“No baby I’m sorry! Not that kind of a bath, but I don’t trust myself in the shower with you either” he helped her strip the clothes off,

“Why I thought this was going to be easier is beyond me though” a smile played upon her lips as his hands trailed over her skin.

“Don’t start anything, my little temptation” he helped her into the tub and when the water sat at her hips not quite reaching the laceration on her back he shut it off.

Using a cup he wet down her hair, and gently massaged in the shampoo. Listening to her moan and purr at his touches put a smile on his face. He rinsed her hair making sure all the shampoo was out. Using a small amount of soap on a cloth as gently as he could he washed her face and body, trying as hard as he could to not make it sexual, but a caress here, a gasp there and he was struggling with it. Later he told himself, she deserved to be pampered right now, he would ravish her later. Rinsing her off, his eyes were mesmerized by how the suds slid down the curves of her perfect little body. He conditioned her hair, repeating the same massage he did when he used the shampoo. The scent of orchids mixing with her scent of lilac and cherry blossoms filled him, enticed him. Encouraged him to make it later, now. Behave yourself! He told himself, forcing himself to calm down. He rinsed out her hair, letting the silky wet tresses slip through his fingers. He released the water from the tub, and when he went to move past her, her lips met his. He cupped her right cheek as his mouth moved with hers, a growl escaped his lips, he had just got himself calmed down.

“Later” he said when the need to breathe arose. “My queen deserves to be pampered too” he kept his lips touching hers as he spoke, she smiled against his lips.

“You have a plan?” She asked.

“Yes, pamper first ravish later, everything in between is just minor details” he kissed her again, but pulled away before it got too heated. He grabbed a towel for her hair and gently wrapped it up, then grabbed another towel to wrap around her. He knew that if he didn’t close his eyes before he saw her, watching the water droplets cascade down her would make it later now. He held out the towel for her to wrap around herself, and he could hear her giggling at him.

“You can look now” she said, he slowly opened his eyes, he wouldn’t be shocked if she was still naked.

“What’s the matter, you don’t trust me?” She asked, laughing.

“I wouldn’t put it past you to still be naked, you are my little temptation after all, nearly impossible for me to resist” he responded, he lifted her out of the tub, but instead of placing her on the bathroom floor he carried her bridal style to the closet.

Noticing the pale pink dress hanging there, he remembered the way it moved against her body.

“We never did get our date!” He stated, she looked at the dress then looked away, trying to hide the tinge of guilt she felt. It was her fault they missed it.

“It’s ok” she reached into her drawer to pull out a pair of panties and a bra. He felt her guilt, and instead of saying something he kissed her head.

“We will soon!” He reached into her drawer and pulled out her red lace panties “I like these ones”

“Last time I wore those I barely got out of the medical room” She teased

“Fine! Surprise me then” he put them back.

“Fine! Get out so I can replace a pair, or it won’t be a surprise” he smiled at her.

“Temptation” he said and walked out of the closet closing the door behind him. She couldn’t help the blush that rose in her cheeks or how her body reacted to his words.

“Stop that” he growled from the other side of the closet door.

“Stop growling at me” she called back, trying to control the shiver that was threatening to take her. She had to control herself, she had to calm down. Taking deep breaths she counted to ten, then twenty then thirty. She searched for the little black bag that had Pam’s on it. If he wanted a surprise she would give it to him. She pulled on a pair of her cargo pants and looked longingly at her camis and tank tops. She had to get the bandage back on her back before she could put a bra on and then she would have to figure out a top. Stepping out of the closet with the towel held to the front of her he stood next to his desk with everything he needed to bandage her up.

“Are you wearing the red ones?” He asked with a sexy little grin on his face.

“I’m not telling” she smiled back, turning around so he could put the bandage on her back.

“Are they lace?” He asked eagerly.

“I’m not telling,” she repeated.

“What’s stopping me from replaceing out right now?” His hand slid to her waist, pulling her back against him.

“You said later” trying to control herself as his hand started moving down her thigh “And I’m hungry” she added, reminding him. His hand stilled on the inside of her thigh. He took several deep breaths to regain some semblance of control. Who are you trying to kid? You have no control when it comes to our mate! Ky howled in his head, he had to agree though and the curiosity of what she was wearing under her pants was driving him crazy. He started placing the bandage on her back.

“Can I have a hint?” He whimpered.

“No!” She shook her head.

“Please!” He begged, as he bandaged up her side.

“You really shouldn’t play these games with me,” she said as she turned around to face him. He bandaged up her hand both the back and the palm, and her forehead.

“One day I will win one,” he said, kissing her right cheek. He walked towards the closet to replace her a shirt while she put her bra on.

“Hey, no peeking in my drawer either” she called.

“The thought never crossed my mind” he called back over his shoulder, that was a lie, he totally thought about it.

Heading to the dining hall wearing one of his shirts they looked for the others, but couldn’t spot them. There weren’t any open chairs to sit at anyway for breakfast, and the only time they had a head of table setting was during supper.

“They’re in your office Alpha!” Carter said as he moved past him to join Brandon at a table. She waved at a few people she knew and some she didn’t know.

“Good to see you Luna!”

“Glad to see you back on your feet Luna!”

“Happy to see you up and about Luna!”

“Speedy recovery Luna!”

“Such a badass Luna!”

Dax smiled and tried to thank as many as possible, but the comments just kept coming, she couldn’t keep up with them all, she didn’t want them to think she was ignoring them. Kane could feel her anxiety and stress growing at the situation, he slid his hand to hip and gave her a gentle squeeze. He knew this was coming, he released a low rumble and the room quieted down, he guided them back towards the entrance. She hesitated and looked up at him, he smiled down at her, turning back to the room she cleared her throat and all eyes turned towards her. That’s a little intimidating! She couldn’t agree more. Taking a deep breath, she spoke.

“Thank you all for the well wishes and the encouraging comments, that is very thoughtful of you. Hopefully I won’t end up back in the medical ward….again and I can get to know you all. Enjoy your breakfast” he kissed her head sliding his arm around her again and walked them out of the dining room after she gave them a wave.

“She fucking rocks!” Was the last thing they heard before they headed to the kitchen to grab some breakfast.

The door to the office was open and they could hear laughter down the hall. Johnny was telling stories about something, though Kane had a feeling they were his highlight reels.

“No bullshit, I thought for sure she was gonna kill him. Never in my life have I seen someone go toe to toe with him and walk away. Let alone say half the things she said” Johnny was telling Lydia of their first meeting. He was wrong, it was her highlight reel.

“Hello darling! Finally got some breakfast, we wouldn’t want you throwing any more shoes” Johnny said laughing.

“She threw shoes at someone? You threw shoes?” Lydia asked, her eyes wide.

“Yeah at me! But it’s ok she apologized….for missing. Then that jackass gave her pancakes” Damon said grinning.

“Could you be mad at this face?” Kane asked with a shrug. He put their plate on the desk and sat down in his chair pulling her onto his lap before he kissed her. Johnny and Lacey took up the couch while Lydia was sitting in Damon’s lap in one of the chairs across from the desk.

Damon was eyeing the bacon on her plate, when she noticed him she pulled the plate closer to her.

“You touch one thing on my plate and I will stab you with my fork, you had yours this is mine” She said.

“Simmer down kitty cat or do I need to replace a spray bottle. How do you curb food possession in humans?” Damon asked, laughing.

“Simple, don’t touch their food” she fired back, threatening him with her fork.

“Damon, leave her alone or she’ll replace something else to throw at you” Kane warned, as he watched her defend her breakfast from Damon.

“So what are everyone’s plans for the day?” Lacey interjected, pulling the conversation off the topic of Dax. She didn’t like the way Damon acted around her, she was jealous of the way he behaved. He looked upon Dax with adoration, while he looked upon her with contempt. Lacey came first, but he treated Dax better. Damon was supposed to love her, adore her, treat her like his family, not Dax. There was a time when he did, then it all changed. Lacey stole a glaring glance at Johnny, then turned away before anyone saw the look that crossed her face. It was his fault Damon didn’t love her. Of all the ones she had to be mated to, the Moon Goddess picked that moron.

“I’m taking this one shopping” Kane said, he watched her try and cut up her pancakes, “You’re going to murder that thing” he whispered in her ear taking the fork and knife from her.

“Shopping!” Lacey perked up looking at him, even Lydia looked interested. “I could go shopping, and so could Lydia, then she wouldn’t have to wear Damon’s clothes,” Lacey added. Damon tensed a little, but relaxed when Lydia cuddled into him, hugging his shirt tighter around herself.

“I don’t mind wearing his shirts, they smell good, but I could use some other things, until I can get my stuff from the Hillcrest Pack house” Lydia said.

“Ooo Victoria Secret here we come, well except Dax, she gets hers from an adult shop” Lacey giggled, a wicked glint in her eyes.

Both Damon and Lydia looked at her, Dax choked on the bite of food she took as her body stiffened. Fighting to control the coughing, she swallowed hard. Kane grabbed her drink, while rubbing small circles on her back to help her get past it. The comment caught her off guard and she opened her mouth only to close it again. She could feel her cheeks heating up and the action was causing small bursts of pain in the left side of her face. She was fighting the grimace, but it wasn’t working for her. Kane could feel her anxiety at the conversation and the pain she felt when her flush darkened. He held her closer to him allowing his body to calm and relax hers. He shot his sister a shut the fuck up look and tightened his arm protectively around his little mate. Fucking bitch! Ky snarled. Not even Johnny could believe Lacey said that in front of everyone.

“Oh sweetie, are you ok?” Lydia asked, her shock turning into concern.

“They’re soft” was the only thing she could think to say and it came out squeaked. She had nothing else, she was just as shocked.

“Really?” Lydia asked,

“Yes,” she replied.

“Well alright feisty pants. Good for you” Damon replied, with a nod of his head. It wasn’t really anyone’s business where she bought her undergarments from, but the fact that Lacey felt this need to share that with everyone, pissed him off a little. Especially when he saw how uncomfortable it made her.

Kane felt the flush creep up his cheeks, he tried not to nod in agreement, but they were softer than anything that came off the racks at Victoria’s Secret and they were way sexier. He fully supported and approved of where she bought them. All this talk of her panties also reminded him that there was a surprise hiding under her pants for him. The down side of her wearing his shirts, he couldn’t steal a peek at them. I bet they’re blue! Ky guessed. And lace! He never thought he had a preference, but he had to admit, he did like her in lace. Trying to control the dirty little thoughts of her wearing her lace panties that were running through his mind at the moment he buried his face in her neck.

“I can agree they are super soft” Lacey added, she wanted everyone’s attention off Dax. That little bitch is hogging all the spotlight! When Lacey saw how interested Damon was in the little imp’s panties and where she purchased them from, she figured he would be interested in hers as well. Plus if she could make Damon jealous, he might step up and realize he did love her. It mattered little to Lacey that he had already marked and mated the red headed whore. Damon was supposed to be hers.

“Johnny seemed to really like them as well” Johnny’s eyes went wide, his face turning red. He hid behind his hands, his shoulders shaking from laughter. Damon snapped his attention towards Johnny while his whole body shook, he was trying so hard to contain himself. He had to tighten his grip on Lydia or risk dumping her on the floor

“We know, he won’t stop poking you” Dax blurted between bites of food, her hand flew to her mouth as soon as she realized what she said. Damon lost control and just roared with laughter, Lydia buried her face in Damon’s chest as she tried to contain herself. Dax glanced over at Johnny and Lacey, their faces were both bright red. Johnny was laughing so hard he had tears streaming down his face, while Lacey just glared daggers at her and looked embarrassed.

“Oh my God! I’m so sorry Lacey, it just slipped out” Dax tried to apologize but her friend just turned away from her. That stupid little imp just humiliated me for no fucking reason! She thought.

“JOHNNY!” She yelled at him, unable to contain it.

“I’m sorry!” Were the first words he choked out, “But I swear I didn’t say anything.” Kane couldn’t even contain his laughter, he was trying to keep a hold of Dax as his body shook.

“Oh fuck, this is a great conversation” Damon howled.

“Shut up Damon!” Lacey hissed “Kane, make him shut up” he was too busy trying to control his own laughter and not rumble Dax on the floor.

“I’m so, so sorry Lacey, you yelled it out this morning in bed, and it just slipped out, I didn’t mean to say it” Dax tried apologizing again, but she only seemed to be making the situation worse. The more she spoke, the more the others laughed, the madder Lacey became.

“This is mortifying!” Lacey covered her face.

“Oh simmer down princess, it’s not that bad you just told everyone feisty pants here buys her underwear at an adult shop and you don’t see her losing her shit about it.” Damon said once he finally started to calm down.

“Shut up Damon, don’t call me that” Lacey snapped at him.

“Fuck whatever….princess!” Lacey huffed again at him, and he just completely ignored her, turning his attention back to Dax “Hey can you do me a favour? Next time you go can you take….with you” he nodded towards Lydia.

“Damon!” Lydia smacked him.

“Ow! Can’t blame a guy for trying, I’m missing out on the soft panties” Damon shrugged, rubbing his arm causing another round of laughter.

“I’m not taking them all shopping, I’m taking this one, if the rest of you girls want to go talk to your mates” Kane said, changing the subject once the laughter died down again. Lydia looked at Damon, pleading with him.

“As long as I can pick some things sure why the fuck not” Damon said. A big grin spread across her face and she hugged Damon.

“What about you sweetheart?” Johnny asked.

“I don’t feel like it anymore,” Lacey pouted. Dax tried again to apologize, but Lacey just ignored her. Damon looked at Kane, this was beginning to piss him off, Kane just shook his head warning him not to say anything. He knew what Damon was thinking, it matched his own thoughts, even Johnny was fighting to keep his control at the way Lacey was acting.

“Come on baby girl let’s go get ready, we’ll meet you in the garage in half an hour.” Damon said standing, entwining his fingers with Lydia’s as he walked out of the room before he said something he wouldn’t regret.

Dax put her fork down, her breakfast forgotten and no longer hungry, she didn’t even protest when Damon stole her bacon on the way out. She didn’t mean to say it, it slipped right out. Kane wrapped his arms around her and pressed his lips to her head. Lacey got up and stormed out of the office with her arms across her chest.

“La...Lacey I’m sorry” Dax called after her, she tried to get up but Kane held her to him.

“Johnny I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to say it. It just slipped out” she felt so guilty over the situation she caused.

“It’s ok darling, it was funny as hell. She would have found it funny as well, but this pregnancy has her crazy. She has an appointment today, but we will meet you at the mall” Johnny offered her a reassuring smile before he walked out of the office after Lacey.

“It was an accident, I….I….” Kane pulled her closer, turning her to face him, kissing her forehead. He had to fight to control his anger over the way Lacey acted. The fuck is wrong with your sister? Ky huffed.

“Sshhh, I know. Don’t worry about Lacey, she’ll get over it. Eat your breakfast” he said. She’s being a bitch to our mate and she fucking started it! Easy Ky, let’s not get worked up. Today is going to be a good day!

“I’m not hungry!” Her shoulders slumped. Stupid brain! Stupid stupid mouth! Stupid stupid stupid girl! Don’t do that! Her subconscious scolded her.

“If you eat your breakfast, maybe I’ll take you for ice cream after we go shopping” Using his usual bribe.

One day it will stop working for him, but he hoped that wasn’t today, he would be pissed if it was.

“Chocolate ice cream?” Her voice was quiet and her bottom lip trembled.

“Of course! Whatever kind you want” he brushed a strand of hair from her face.

“And brownies?” Her sad eyes looked into his, he didn’t like to see his beautiful mate sad, it broke his heart. Whatever was left of the light in her eyes was snuffed out. This was not how he saw this day going, and they still had family dinner to get through.

“Can’t have chocolate ice cream without brownies,” he replied, pulling her plate back and turning her to face it. She moved the food around on her plate, while he was looking over financial papers for one of his businesses.

She didn’t want to eat, she didn’t want to go shopping, she didn’t even want brownies and ice cream. He’s right she’ll get over it! I humiliated her! It was an accident! I’m a stupid stupid girl! She embarrassed you first! Doesn’t matter! She did it on purpose! It’s ok! She didn’t even apologize! It’s fine! You didn’t deserve that! Yes I did!

“Moving the food around is not eating it.” He kissed her neck. Stabbing a piece of pancake she put it in her mouth, chewed and swallowed. Finishing most of her plate she pushed it away and shook her head.

“Ready?” He asked, not wanting to open her stupid mouth anymore she just nodded and stood up. Why is she not talking?

“Aw, you’re not going to talk anymore” she shook her head. Make her talk! Even Ky was upset, he didn’t like this either.

“But I’ll miss hearing your voice, what about smiling? Are you going to smile again?” She shrugged her shoulders. Make her smile! Ky whimpered in his head. Make this right!

“Hmm, I bet I can make you smile” his fingers grazed her left side, causing her to squirm. She tried to hold her arm tight against her side, but he found a way to tickle her around it. He could see her fighting the smile tugging at her lips.

“That’s cheating!” She fought back the giggle, spinning around she grabbed him by the front of his shirt and pressed her lips to his. His touch turned from ticklish grazes to firmer caresses.

“Who’s cheating now?” He whispered against her lips, she smiled “There’s my beautiful girl’s smile” he nibbled along her bottom lip as his hands moved around her waist, he sat her on the desk holding her tight against him with one arm, he cupped the back of her head, her lips moving under his. He became more demanding, when he nipped her bottom lip asking for entrance, his hand slid under her shirt caressing her left side moving higher and higher as he deepened the kiss.

“KANE!” Damon yelled down the hall “THE FUCK BRO! ARE WE GOING OR WHAT?” Kane’s hand stopped and he released a low growl.

“Every fucking time” he grumbled. “We will finish this later” slipping his hand out of her shirt he helped her off the desk. He took a couple deep breaths to calm himself down before they left the office. Damon and Lydia stood in the kitchen waiting for them, she was making a list of all the things she needed.

“What the fuck took so long?” Kane gave him a hard look, realization crossed his face “Oh fuck! I’m sorry brother, maybe next time close the door and put a sock on it.” Dax’s face flushed red as she cleaned her dish and put it away.

“Let’s go” Kane shook his head and led them out to the garage. Unlocking his truck he helped Dax into the backseat so she could sit beside Lydia and help her with her list but diagonal behind Kane so he could see her. Damon went to move the seat forward for her a bit.

“Don’t worry about it, not like I need the leg room. My feet don’t even touch the floor.” She said, stopping him. The truck erupted with laughter. Damon looked behind him and laughed harder as he saw her legs dangling from the seat a couple of inches above the floor in the back seat.

“Holy shit! She’s right, she can’t even touch”

“Get it out Damon, I’m so small I can fit in the overhead compartments of a plane and ride for free, I’m so small I needed to be accompanied by an adult to ride the merry go round at the carnival, I need booster seats at most restaurants just to see over the table, but hey I can order off the kids menu and not get strange looks. I’m a cheap date because they charge me child prices. I got pulled over by the cops once and they asked where the child seat was. I’m pint size, fun size, pocket size, travel size, all here for your entertainment” She said, she’s heard them all.

“Stop….stop….holy fuck stop!” Damon couldn’t breathe. He was laughing so hard.

“Someone’s trying to make you their entertainment” Lydia spit out then she clasped her hand over her mouth as her eyes went wide “Oh gosh! I am so sorry, I thought I said that in my head” Dax looked at Lydia, her mouth dropped open and her face flushed, but she broke out laughing, her laughing caused Kane to laugh.

“Brother I am so fucking sorry” Damon couldn’t control his laughter again.

“Every fucking time” he complained causing Damon to laugh even more.

Kane started the truck and they pulled out of the garage, heading towards the mall. Damon turned on the radio and flipped between stations.

“Would you leave the radio alone,” Kane said,

“What? It’s like a 45 minute drive to the mall” Damon replied,

“You’re worse than Johnny, not every silence needs to be filled with noise” Kane mumbled, flipping the radio to something else.

“C’mon just replace some music” Damon complained, the girls went over Lydia’s list in the back while the boys fought over the radio in the front. Kane flipped it over to something boring in the front.

“Happy?” He asked,

“What the fuck is this shit?” Damon asked, “Please somebody have some fucking music” Dax gave him her phone, just to make him be quiet.

“Thank Goddess, feisty pants you’re beautiful” he scrolled through her music “Holy fuck, you have some music on here” he paired it to the radio and hit shuffle. The first song to come on was Trespassing by Adam Lambert.

“Hey, now we’re talking” Damon turned it up.

A few songs had gone by before another one came on and Dax started singing along with it. She didn’t even realize she was doing it. Damon turned the radio down and they all listened to her. Certain parts had Kane looking back at her over his shoulder, only for Damon to interrupt him.

“Hey, hey, hey you watch the road” Damon said to him “She’ll entertain you later” the rest of the ride to the mall turned into a mini concert and dance party.