I’d been keeping my eye on Adder since we arrived at the club. My eyes never left her as she danced so freely with Tiffany. I watched, practically entranced by the swaying of her hips. I’ve seen her movements in fights, and when we’ve trained, I know she can move. But seeing her tonight, smiling, laughing, as she dances with Tiffany. The new dress I bought her moving in time accenting her body in ways training clothes don’t.
I trusted Tiffany to keep her safe. But when two blokes approached them, both Ashton and I tensed. I know Ashton was itching to start a fight. He struck out so many times with birds in the past I don’t think he wanted to risk ever losing the only bird who truly wanted him. He loves Tiffany. I put a hand on his shoulder, trying to hold him back.
But I was also trying to hold myself back as they set t
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Mason was serious that night of my birthday. He wanted to do whatever it took to protect the meta-humans here in Oxford. And the rest of us were willing to follow him to hell and back. All our free time over the last two years has been dedicated to stopping crimes against meta-humans. We even managed to stop a meta-human trafficking ring that the bastards running the fights were part of.We hadn’t been able to save everyone. But we did save as many as we could. I know the lives of those innocent girls we didn’t save will always haunt us, especially Mason. I’ve tried to remind him of those we did save. That they were safe with their families because of us. Even if no one would ever know what we did, we knew, and those girls knew.It was in our best interest to stay in the shadows. To let the local police get the credit for saving th
I shouldn’t have done that. I shouldn’t have spanked her ass. It took every ounce of control I had to walk out of her room. The way she responded to the smack and then how she was looking at me from where she landed on her bed. I wanted to throw caution into the wind. To forget about the party. Forget what my parents would think if I skipped. And definitely throw out all the restrictions I’ve mentally put on my feelings for her. I just wanted to get on that bed with her, kiss her and touch her in all the ways I’ve dreamed.But I kept my composure and walked away to let her get ready. I know she hadn’t planned to come to the party, but there was no way I was going without her. Soon a new life will be starting for all of us. And I know she hasn’t said it, but she’s worried about her place in that future. I want her to be there with me. No matter what the capacity. An
I knew I’d be out of place at this party but having Mason close did help, some. As we walked to the fancy garden party, my mind was distracted by the offer he made in the car. I’d hoped that he was going to ask me something else. That he wanted to be with me, truly be with me. But, instead, I had to push down my disappointment and accept reality. I would rather stay with him as his bodyguard than be without him entirely.I did my best to ignore the way people looked at us and focus on the warmth of his arm around me. As we approached his family, I knew it was them from pictures, and I wanted to turn invisible. I’ve never been intimidated before, or at least not that I’ll admit to. But looking at the Templetons, I will admit I’m intimidated. I found myself shrinking into Mason as his sister rushed over to us.I held her gaze,
So soon, all the congratulations went from graduation to engagement. Everyone knew what was happening elsewhere on the property. No one was surprised for Ashton and Tiffany to walk back out all smiles and Tiffany sporting an engagement ring. I certainly didn’t mind, and I’m guessing Adder didn’t either as it took some focus off me and, therefore her.“You up for making rounds, pet?” I asked as I noticed some of my company’s business associates and, worse yet, members of my board puttering about the party. “Wouldn’t be much a bodyguard if I left you defenseless with all the sharks.” Adder teased. Despite her teasing tone, I know it was her who didn’t want to be left alone.Or at least that’s what I assumed as she was basically sticking to me like glue. Not that I’m complain
I considered going to see Tiffany, but I didn’t want the weird looks or to push through the crowd to reach my fellow snake. So instead, I grabbed a glass of champagne from a tray and ducked inside the house for some quiet. I needed the break from the judgmental stares and, even worse, from Mason introducing me as his friend or bodyguard.Why can’t he see how much I want him? That I want more than a friendship with him. Maybe Tiffany is right, and I should have told him long ago. Maybe I’ll tell him tonight after the party when it’s just us. I mean, at this point, what do I have to lose? Oh, that’s right, him.I sighed, taking a sip of the champagne, and wrinkled my nose. Yep, I’m still a cheap beer girl. I froze when I heard someone laughing and looked around to try and find the source. “Who’s there?”
I had wanted to find Adder but Ron caught up to me. Of course, he was worried about his position, given what I said about reviewing everyone in the company. I was polite because that’s what is expected. Also because the last thing I need is to cause a scene and have everyone looking at us. I’d never get to Adder then.So I carried on the conversation. I was happy that Adder interrupted. Having her at my side felt right. It made me relax. Relaxed so much, I called her pet in front of Ron and shared her drink. But all those happy and content feelings went out the window when she said Ollie asked to drive her home.I looked at Ollie. I know him. I’ve known him for years. So why didn’t I see this coming? She’s beautiful and amazing. Even if he doesn’t see her more than a handful of times a year, he realized it too. This was
The fact he didn’t try to stop hurt. But I shoved the pain down before I reached Ollie. “Alright, Mason didn’t plan to leave till near dark. So where ya thinking for dinner?” I asked as I reached Ollie. Oliver smiled. “Well, on the way back, we go past my hometown of Nottingham, and there's this great place called The Bells Inn. Known for good ales, food, and live music. Their beef and ale pie is the best I’ve ever had.” he explained, putting an arm lightly around my shoulders.I reminded myself that Ollie is a good bloke, and he obviously likes me. Unlike Mason. But I couldn’t shake that. It just felt wrong having Ollie’s arm around me like this. As we headed for his car, I glanced over my shoulder, hoping to see Mason. I don’t know why I held out hope he’d come rushing after us and say he’d rather drive me.
The next morning I wasn’t sure if I should tell Mason about having dinner with Ollie or that he kissed me. I do know I need to tell him about the crazy bird Elizabeth. He wasn’t up yet. I guess it makes sense. He would have gotten home much later than me. I was half dreading and half eager to see him. I don’t know why I’m holding out hope he’ll react to what happened with Ollie. But I am.I was brewing coffee when I heard Mason’s door open. Turning as I poured my coffee, I internalized a sigh. This was a sight I’ve seen hundreds of times living here, Mason with his hair a mess from sleeping, wearing just a pair of shorts and stretching as he yawned. I nearly overfilled my cup, staring at him. Damn, he’s too sexy. This isn’t fair.I managed to stop pouring just as some splashed on me, warning me I was a
I never thought I’d be the type of person who couldn’t stand to be away from her baby for more than a few hours. Then again, I didn’t think I would be the type of person who’d be a mother. Before Mason, I didn’t dare think or dream of motherhood. And now I’m a mother of two. I think I would be okay being away from Jade for the night, not to say I don’t love her as much, but she’s older. Asher, however, he’s only four months old. I don’t like leaving him to go to the office. And now I won’t see him till tomorrow. And I can’t even use breastfeeding as a reason to be near him. Because of my powers, I can’t breastfeed, but that doesn’t mean I don’t miss my baby when I’m away from him. Mason had to basically force me to leave his parent’s house. I know exactly why he’s eager for a night without the k
“Come on, pet.” I gently tugged at my wife’s elbow. Copper snake eyes turned sharply at me as she once again hugged and kissed our children. “We are only going out for Valentine’s dinner and dancing. We aren’t going off to war.” I assured her. Jade stuck out her tongue at me as she hugged Adder. “Have fun, mummy.” Jade kissed Adder’s cheek and reluctantly let her go. We are never going to get out of here at this rate. Especially as Asher starts crying, reaching out for us from my mother’s arms. He’s too little to use words. This is the first time we’ll be away from him for a night. He cries every time we leave for work, even if he adores his nanny, Janelle. I know he loves spending time with his grandparents. Both our children ador
If someone told me as a child, I’d grow up to having a loving husband and a family, and I’d call them a fucking nutter. I was an unwanted and unloved meta-human. The idea that anyone could love me sounded like fairy tale nonsense. But then I met Mason, and I got my fairy tale. These past four years with Mason have been even better than the four prior. And I can’t say which moment was the highlight. However, I can think of four amazing things that have happened. Becoming Mason’s wife, of course, is in the top four ranking. It had been a small and lovely ceremony at his family’s home, which is exactly what I wanted. I was not too fond of the idea of some big to-do as Tiffany and Ashton did. Not that I’m knocking Tiffany and Ashton’s big church wedding that made the papers. That’s what they wanted to do, so I was happy for them. Even if Tiffany made me her maid
A lot has happened in the last year. Adder and I got engaged and swiftly took down most of the members of the board of directors. Adder hadn’t been kidding when she said she had jail-worthy dirt on some of these men. I still look back on that meeting and smile.We’d called them all in for a meeting bright and early the morning after we returned from New Delhi. Adder was in high spirits when we walked into the office holding hands with her engagement ring on full display. I know it caught the girls' eye working reception, and they’d be whispering about it the rest of the day till the whole office knew.We went to my office first and made the board wait thirty minutes cause, as Adder said, ‘fuck them.’ They eventually got impatient and pestered Deborah demanding to know when I would be arriving for the meeting I called. We fina
As we walked into the grand hall where Khumar was hosting the party, I felt the odd looks. I don’t know if we are Brits wearing traditional Indian clothes or just that my scales are on full display in this outfit. Either way, it made me uncomfortable. We at least didn’t have to wait long before Khumar spotted us and moved through the crowd with a large smile. “Mason, my friend. And my, I must say our fashion is most flattering on you, Adder.” he greeted. From my peripheral, I could see Mason was wearing his forced polite smile. “Hello, Khumar. Rather over the top event.” Mason greeted, looking around the rather decadent space. I smiled a bit and nodded politely. Over the top was certainly one way of phrasing it. I’d call it a gaudy unnecessary mess personally. “Thank ya, Khumar.” I greeted. “Well, I say go big or go home, Mason. So might I convinc
I know I threw her for a loop with that statement. But it’s true. I plan to marry this woman. Fuck I even have the ring hidden back at the flat. I’m just waiting for the right moment. I’d considered bringing the ring here on the trip, but I didn’t want to risk losing it or her finding it in my luggage.And we’ve only been dating for a couple of months. For me, that’s a long relationship, but mostly because I don’t get into committed relationships. Plus, while we’ve only been a couple for a few months now, we’ve known each other for years and lived together. So we already know we cohabitate well.Since becoming a couple, the only adjustments we’ve had to make are now we share a bed, and we share rather than waiting for the other to finish their shower. And while you’d think sharing a s
The last few weeks have been a blur of activity. We’ve finally moved into our own flat. Thank fuck for that. The tension any time I crossed paths with his father at their London home was getting to me. And as much as I’d like to say we’ve christened every surface in the flat since moving in, we haven’t. Just the bed and that fantastic shower.We both have been too busy with work for much more. Mason is all in on proving to those old bastards on the board that this is his company, and he’s the only one who can run it. If he’s not been in a meeting or a call, he’s been on his computer getting presentations ready and preparing for our trip to New Delhi.Sealing the deal with this Khumar fella is what will shut those old men up and hopefully put them on their asses. And because I trust those wankers as far as I
There are only a few members of the board that I can stomach. And that number went down as some I’d liked before got behind Clark Scrivens. And what’s worse is he’s not even the head of the board. No, Ronald Marsden just remained silent for all that. And that’s put him on my shit list too. Anyone with a problem with Adder has a problem with me.Adder was, of course, fantastic, even if a little crass as she put them all in their place. They underestimated her, and that’s something you never do. I know Adder took coming to work here seriously. She takes her job as my bodyguard seriously too. Fuck she’s taken that job seriously since we met, and she wasn’t even getting paid for it.So now I have sixty days to close this big deal and prove that being CEO of my family’s company isn’t just my right as the heir but
Why did I agree to escort these stupid fucks out again? Oh, right, because I don’t trust that fat fuck guard. At least the lift ride to the lobby was entertaining. They were fighting like cats and dogs. James demanded to know who Laura was cheating on him with, and Laura denied it. It was very entertaining. I don’t know for sure if James was my sperm donor. Yes, that's what I’m going to refer to him as going forward. And Laura is the egg donor. I don’t want to give them titles that indicate any real kinship between them and I. “Lobby. Everyone out.” I hissed and shoved them out of the lift. “Get your hands off me!” Laura shouted. I rolled my eyes and kept prodding the pair forward. “I don’t give a fuck. Now move. I nodded at the three receptionists at the front desk who were looking at the scene before them wide-eyed. Two of the guards were also watching from