Loud voices going nonstop and overlapping each other broke me from my peaceful sleep. I groaned snuggling into Dominic more, "Baby turn the TV down," then curled into his side even further burying my face underneath the blanket.
He yawned in return wrapping his arm around me tighter and gruffly replied, "We don't have one in here."
It took a minute for that to register. When it did, I opened my eyes and sat up just as Dominic did. We looked around the room then at one another confusedly. He's right, we don't have a TV in here so where are the voices coming from and why are they all talking over each other? Slipping out of bed I grabbed a t-shirt from my bag and threw on a pair of pajama pants leaving Dominic sitting on the bed rubbing his eyes to figure out where the voices were coming from.
The house was still dark meaning it's still pretty early in the morning so it surprised me when the smell of coffee and pancakes greeted me. I walked over to the window in the hall to determine who was here by seeing what car was in the driveway. Instead I noticed a relatively small crowd outside the house. What the hell they're doing out there I have no clue. When I reached the kitchen my mother was moving about cooking up a storm while my Dad sat at the counter going over a stack of paper occasionally scribbling something down. Neither of them were speaking but still I could hear their voices amongst those of the people outside going on and on and driving me crazy.
"Dad?"
"Hey Sweetie, what are you doing up so early?" He glanced down at his wristwatch briefly shooting me a confused look.
"Aside from the noise outside, you and Mom were talking too loud. Looks like we need a fence by the way." I huffed as I hopped onto the stool beside him resting my head on his shoulder.
"Talking? We haven't spoken since we got here." My mother turned away from the stove with a frown that displayed her own confusion. Just then I heard the voices again and looked back and forth between the two. Neither of them moved their lips but I heard it as clear as a bell. "What is she talking about, Lance?"
"I don't know. Maybe she inherited your family's wackjob genes."
"My family isn't crazy!"
"Yes they are and you're the worse one."
"Then what does that make you for falling in love with me?"
"It makes me smart because even though you're a loon you have a great ass I get to touch anytime I want."
"Dad!" I shouted throwing my hands over my ears, but it did me no good. I could still hear those words banging around my head as well as the sexual undertones within them. His eyes widened and the smirk he held fell from his lips.
"You heard us?" Recognition set inside of him with a look of embarrassment turning my mother's cheeks bright pink. "Don't tell me you're able to hear our thoughts now! Only mates are supposed to hear each other."
"Are you really surprised, Lance?" Dominic walked in standing behind the stool I was sitting on and wrapped his arms around me. "Doc warned us that things would continue to happen after we mated." He grinned kissing the side of my face. Is that part of the male ego or something? To make it known when they get laid? Why did he have to tell my Dad that of all people? My mom gasped basically dropping the pan she had in her hand on the stove and clapped her hands excitedly while my father glared at Dominic pretty hard. Suddenly he froze and stood with his mouth slightly agape. I followed his line of sight but didn't see what had him so entranced. Lifting his hand he pushed my hair away from my neck exposing my mark and gave me the same exact look.
"What is it?" I asked in a panicked tone fighting the urge to get up and run to the nearest mirror to see for myself.
"Your marks..." Hearing that I jumped to my feet and ran through the downstairs halls toward the half bath centered between the living room and dining room. I flipped on the light holding my hair up and gasped at the sight of the image within my mark. It was a wolf's paw with swirling vines fanning out into leaves on each side of it. It looked like a raised tattoo perfectly centered within Dominic's bite but was actually smooth to the touch. I ran my fingertips over it absently and shuddered from the sensitivity. Surges of pleasure rippled through me causing my body to warm and my breathing to hitch. I should have known better than to touch it considering what I asked Dominic to do last night. I don't know why I wanted it so badly. I craved his bite and after we settled in, I returned the favor feeling accomplished and...complete.
"This just keeps getting weirder, huh?" I nodded quickly resembling a bobblehead with a slight smile. He stepped up behind me kissing that very spot setting off another wave of pleasure that made me want to rip the pants off of him. I sighed still feeling his lips seconds after he pulled away, slowly opening my eyes to his smiling reflection gazing back at me.
"We should be used it to by now though since that's our middle names. Dominic Weird Cruz and Jade Weird Emmerson."
"Yeah, about that," he stepped back and turned me to face him, "we've already made vows to be with one another for life but I'd still like to change your last name."
A deer caught in headlights has nothing on me at the moment. "Ar-are you asking me to marry you?"
He smiled widely wrapping his arms around me resting his hands on my lower back, "I'm gauging your reaction; trying to see if that's something you'd want to do considering we just mated and all. If you want to wait until we have more time under us I'm cool with that. I personally would love to be able to say you're not just my mate, but my wife, too, like tomorrow."
"I'd love that, too, Dominic but how about," I dragged my hands up his chest then held his cheeks in my hands, "we wait until we get used to everything and all this settles down. I have the strangest feeling that things are about to get even more hectic for us."
He kissed the tip of my nose swaying us back and forth, "I think you're right. I want to be able to enjoy having you all to myself and right now that's not possible is it?"
"Nope. Not unless we barricade ourselves in a bathroom apparently." I chuckled dragging my eyes around the decent size restroom that only contained a sink, toilet, and stand up shower.
"Well since we're here..." A lustful glint flashed in Dominic's eyes as he kicked the door closed behind him and buried his face in my neck brushing his lips against my mark. I should protest and raise the point that my parents are just a room away but I can't. This feels too good, having him pressed against me as I rest my butt against the cool basin. When his hands start peeling back the hem of my shirt and brushed against the waistband of my pajama pants I knew there is no stopping us. My wolf was begging me to let this happen and since sealing our bond last night I no longer have the ability to deny her what she seeks the most. I just hope my parents don't hear us!
After we returned from our talk in the bathroom that really didn't consist of much talking we were given very little time to eat before my mother once again dressed us and we were asked to meet in the back yard. Thankfully my mother left us to get dressed on our own because Dominic thought it was a nice gesture to lick my mark again and we saw how that turned out the first time. Once I was able to get dressed without my horny toad of a mate pouncing on me again I went downstairs and was about to head out back when I saw Jaxon lounging—well hunched over on the sofa with his head in his hands. Now knowing that I can hear thoughts I tried to pick up on what was bothering him before I asked and there seemed to be nothing, not even a simple thought running across his brain.
I plopped down beside him thinking he'd look up at me and I could initiate a conversation to ease my way into whatever's eating him. He didn't move a muscle. I cleared my throat and still, nothing. I sighed like something was bothering me and again, my twin ignored me. Fed up with my invisibility I slid across the seat looping my arm through his, pulling his left hand away from his head intertwining our fingers.
"When did she get here?" He finally looked up.
"A few minutes ago," I answered his unspoken question receiving a confused look. "We can hear thoughts now." I shrugged carelessly. "Anyway, why are you sitting in here looking like some big kid stole your bike?" Jaxon shook his head I guess to say 'no reason' or that he didn't want to talk about it. That wasn't going over well with me. Whenever I needed to talk I could always count on my twin to listen and make things better and I'm prepared to do the same. "No, don't shake your head at me. Tell me what's up."
"It's nothing, Jade." He sighed frustratedly scrubbing his face with his free hand.
"It's something, Jaxon, and I want to know what."
"I said leave it alone, Jade!" He sprung up from the leather cushion beside me dropping my hand to shove his into his hair. "Damn, why can't you just...leave it alone." Despite his obvious defeat I growled at him rising from my seat. His eyes nearly fell out of his head, his breathing turned labored, and his body trembled slightly. With his eyes still locked on me, he got down on one knee. "I—I apologize."
Somehow those two words were enough to appease my wolf. I honestly didn't mean to intimidate him that way but it happened that way because my mating with Dominic has caused a fusion between me and my wolf-like Doctor Hemming said. Instead of just hearing her in my head I feel like she is me. I don't have the choice of giving her the control anymore, she just takes it. I personally didn't want to do that to my brother, yet the superior Alpha female in me felt like he was disobeying her and she took it upon herself to let him know that it won't be tolerated.
Regaining my composure I extended my hand to Jaxon helping him off the floor. He still looked somewhat daunted and took my hand with reluctance. "It's never a good thing when I have you of all people looking at me like I'm a monster." I looked down at my feet absently rubbing the back of my hand as he released it.
"No no, I just...I heard everything Doc said but it didn't really hit me until just now. My wolf was literally cowering inside me because you growled. That was too cool!" His previous expression diminished into one of awe and a small smile worked its way onto his lips.
"I'm glad you think so, but can you please tell me what had you in here looking like you were ready to cry?" His face fell and he turned away from me, pacing the space in front of the coffee table. Whatever is it can't be that bad can it? He came to a halt in front of me motioning for me to sit as he did the same taking the spot beside me. That is never a good sign either.
"This stays between me and you." It was more of a demand than a question and it took everything in me to keep my wolf from growling at that. After a quick nod from me, he sighed, "I found my mate, but I can't be with her."
"What?! Why?" I jumped up and he pulled me back down.
"Because," he yell whispered, "she's with someone else and refuses to leave him. Something about she's been with him for years and regardless of our bond she loves him."
"But she's YOUR mate how could she not want to be with you?" Calling me angry is an understatement. I know all too well the pain that comes with not being wanted by the person that was made to love you. I wouldn't wish that on my worse enemy and definitely hate that my twin is experiencing it.
Once again a sigh of defeat breezed through his lips. "I don't know but she made herself clear that she isn't planning to let him go anytime soon." All over again Jaxon's pain is evident. I hate it and wish I had some kind of power to take it away.
I wrapped my arm around him resting my free hand on his thigh, "Don't worry. I'll take care of it. After this meeting, Dad set up for us to choose guards we'll go to her and set things right."
For the second time in less than ten minutes, Jaxon shot up and rubbed his temples stressfully, "No, Jade! I didn't tell you that so you could go to her and order her to be with me! That's why I told you to leave it alone! I don't want her to be forced to be with me! I want to be loved naturally as we should be!"
I didn't have a chance to respond before he stormed out of there and the back door slammed signaling just how upset he is. It takes a lot of convincing to keep my wolf under control. We know the hurt he's living through right now and that's the only reason why she didn't come out on him as soon as he raised his voice.
"Maybe you should listen to him, Babe. It'll be easier for us all if you do. He won't be upset at you and I won't have to bite him into submission for talking to you the way he just did." Dominic spoke calmly making his way down the stairs toward me.
"But how can I? That's my twin. When he hurts I hurt and I can't stand the thought of him being unhappy. You didn't see him when I first came down here. He looked...like you did when we met."
Saying that seemed to make him understand a little more which he confirmed with a slow nod. We haven't spoken about Alice in a while and I really hate to bring her up, because I know deep down the events still play in his mind and haunt him no matter how happy we are together.
Caressing my cheek lovingly he smiled weakly, "And I understand that and share your concern. However, he's a big boy, Jade. You have to let this play out the way it's meant to. If he needs us he'll come to us. Trust me. You're going to hurt his pride if you go rushing in there trying to fight your big brother's battles."
"What's more important his pride or the happiness of his wolf?"
"You're not going to like my answer to that." His smile widened ten times more. I already knew what he was going to say so I just rolled my eyes. Men and their enormous egos...I swear! Dominic took me by the hand and led me out back where my father waited with Jaxon, Harold, and a bunch of tall muscular men. They formed a perfectly straight line standing side by side, shoulder to shoulder. They looked like soldiers standing with their backs as straight as arrows and their eyes focused straight ahead until my father spoke. Jax was standing at one end of the line watching the men intently as if he were assessing them or watching to make sure none of them stepped out of place. His face was blank yet as serious as my Dad's but still, I could see the sadness in his eyes.
"Dominic, Jade, these are ten of the best enforcers from this pack. They've all been groomed and disciplined by me. Each of these men has displayed qualities that lead me to believe they would be more than capable of handling any and every situation that may arise. Jaxon has already declared his devotion to you both and if you're content with these men, they will do the same." I could both hear and see the pride wafting off my father as he spoke. Being our pack's best enforcer he took his job in bringing the younger guys in our pack up to be exactly like him; highly trained and disciplined. "Feel free to express any questions or concerns."
Dominic let go of my hand and in unison, we listened to the thoughts of each man. I also took that time to literally sniff them out for hints of fear or anything else they may suggest they aren't fit to cover us. My mate looked down at me and I understood exactly why. He's pleased with this lineup as am I.
Dominic walked toward the end of the line closest to us looking each of the men over as he spoke, "By accepting this position you are submitting yourself as well as your strongest pups to life as Royal Guards. By accepting this position you're eternally agreeing to these terms. Do you swear before us, your King and Queen as well as the Moon Goddess that from this day forward you will protect us, our home, and the future of our bloodline?"
All of the men in line including Jaxon agreed bringing a smile to my Dad's face. Dominic also smiled as he looked my way but it quickly ceased as he reached the end of the line. He looked at me for a second time and again I understood. We're royalty but we're also considered the Alphas of all. Being that, we both need Betas. One of the men in that line must have stood out to Dominic as the perfect second.
Dominic turned so that he was completely facing them and walked the line a second time. He had his eyes closed grabbing huge breaths, taking in their scents. He stopped in front of Jaxon and began growling lowly. Without hesitation, he shifted into his wolf and lunged at my brother knocking him to the ground. All the guys rushed in to help my brother including our fathers while I stood exactly where I was, oddly growing angry with the fact that they were trying to help Jaxon.
"Back off!" I growled not really meaning to be so forceful. My wolf knows what her mate is doing and to her, the others are interfering.
"Jade," My father called to me frantically, "He's going to kill him!"
"No, he's marking him." I retorted seemingly getting through to them with that short explanation. As everyone stood back I could see Jaxon blocking his face and neck from Dominic. Suddenly my mate growled viciously and Jaxon threw his hands up surrendering. The second he did that Dominic went for the left side his chest and dug his claws into his chest and dragged them so deeply that the once gray fabric of his t-shirt rapidly turned crimson. A blood-curdling scream ripped from Jax and reverberate through the open space of the back yard shaking the leaves that remained on the trees like a harsh gust of wind. He blacked out from the pain-causing my Dad to look even more panicked.
Dominic pulled back almost immediately and shifted back into his human form, ripping what remained of my brother's shirt from his chest using it to wipe away some of the blood. He then used his elongated canines to bite into his wrist allowing his blood to drip over the wound. Like magic, the slashes over my twin brother's heart healed leaving marks that looked like a brand. Somehow I knew what his intention was and why it was so necessary to do what he just did but I don't know what effects having Dominic's blood will have on my twin.
His wolf must have seen it as a way to connect them and share his strengths with the best wolf to lead under him. His eyes may change as ours did, his wolf may grow to the size of ours, and he may be immune to silver as well. Then again he may develop something we've yet to discover within ourselves thus far.
Like with everything else we won't truly know until it happens. What I am aware of through this new connection with my wolf is that Dominic's physically marking Jaxon binds them to each other through loyalty and blood. His wolf will now be just as strong as ours and also considered Royalty. He is Dominic's Royal second in command and pretty soon, my wolf will be seeking her own.