oooooh snap!
~Grace’s Point of View~ I laughed, harder than I think I ever had. I truly couldn’t remember ever laughing so hard. Talking to Donato was like being with an old friend. A friend you desperately wanted to get naked with and lose two days. If he knew about the baby or the fact that I likely smelled of other men, he didn’t mention it. He was just … fun. He was carefree, laid back and beyond entertaining. We got fish and chips and ice cream. And … maybe I let him feed me. Maybe I liked it. Is this what being high is like? Is this what all the pretty Barbie doll girls got to have all the time? Undivided attention from the hottest guy? My vagina was basically thinking and acting like a dick, and all it wanted was some Donato. The devil on my shoulder told me to think like a man, scratch the itch. He held my hand as we walked and it was warm, comforting. So far, he was literally the perfect catch. Had I met him a month ago I’d have probably gotten him drunk and tricked him into marryi
~Finch’s Point of View~“I think we took the wrong approach. She’s going to think we’re even more psycho than she already does,” I whined, blowing out a hard breath.“No, she needs to see us. Our flesh, and remember. It’ll force her to recall in detail what she’s giving up. What only we can give her,” Jack protested, turning back to bury his face in his laptop.It was quiet for a minute as the captain announced we were landing soon. I fastened my belt and tried to calm Judson who was blaming me for letting her go despite the fact that it was all his fault. So I felt.“You’re supposed to be the smart one. Common sense. I can’t believe I let you talk me into a bunch of fucking naked pics,” I snapped, just as the stewardess poked her head out of the curtain. The color instantly drained from her face. She was a basic human so, not surprising.“Seatbelts, please,” she simply said, then disappeared again.We’d dropped over sixty grand to get a one way ride on a private jet. I couldn’t even
~Grace’s Point of View~ “So who is announcing the new products,” I asked, as a flurry of activity moved around me. “Well you are Miss Astor … and your tech people. I mean your dad would have done it, he loved showing off the latest and greatest,” the store manager said. I think his name was … Henry? Hawley? Hawk? I really should pay attention. I sighed. My dad absolutely was the face of AC and that’s how it should be. What the hell do I know about making commercials, selling things? BEEP “It’s not me,” the manager said, turning his nose up and walking away. I sighed again and pulled out my phone. Etienne was delayed at the airport trying to leave, something about high winds or whatnot. He’d been texting me like mad to let me know his irritation. Hardly my fault there was a tropical storm so late in the season, we do live in the south they happen sometimes! Text Message: You didn’t wear panties today did you? Naughty girl. - Finch BEEP Text Message: I’m so bending you over in
~Grace’s Point of View~ “This is stupid and unnecessary. My life is my own business,” I whined, feeling like time had stood still in some ways. Just like the night of the wedding I was sitting in a salon chair being made into a totally different person. I didn’t feel or look anything like myself. “We have to get ahead of this Grace! I can’t believe you! You are a public figure now whether you like it or not. We have to explain this,” mom snapped, fanning herself with a magazine. Explain what? I got knocked up because I’m a closet horny toad who was desperate for a wild night? Well I got a night of memories like no other that will last forever. “Gloria? I’m here, ready to go,” I heard, as my mouth hung open. Every hair on my body immediately stood on edge, and my hands were already balling into fists. I know that voice… “Rome! Oh thank god someone with sense. You have no idea what this means to me, to us both,” mom said, as she practically threw herself at him. Damn drama queen!
~Grace’s Point of View~ “The security guard is a bear shifter. I slipped him a couple hundred bucks too, he’ll make sure only Etienne is allowed in if anyone tries to come,” Finch said, elbowing me playfully. I nearly snorted. Do they just have a “bro” code amongst shifters?? “How is it that no one ever approached me before if I supposedly smell so incredible,” I whispered. “It’s quite shocking actually but maybe your dad scared them away or something. I remember a comment one time he made about no one being good enough for you which is odd considering he wanted you to get married so bad,” Jack said, as someone used a lint roller on his jacket. My lips curled into a small smile, wondering. “What are you fathers like,” I asked, having no clue about their family really at all. They both shot each other a look. “They aren’t happy we left so when we visit they’re kind of quiet. Jack’s father especially just acts like put out if he has to be around us. They think we’re sissies to
~Jack’s Point of View~ “But where did Etienne even get handcuffs on the spot,” Grace asked, with her little adorable face. She was still so sheltered and innocent in so many ways. It was sexy as hell. Maybe we need to get some cuffs … but fuzzy ones. Nox nodded in agreement, but he just liked seeing her squirm under our control. “Baby, E is like … all into the S&M stuff. He goes to sex clubs and all that. He probably has far worse in his suitcase than cuffs,” I whispered. Etienne had cuffed Gloria and whoever that guy was and locked them to a bike rack. Resourceful and … pretty damn funny I had to admit. How that guy didn’t overpower him was beyond me. Apparently the salon owner just locked up and shut off the lights, trying to act like she didn’t know a thing. Gloria had rented out her shop for the night and paid in cash up front. Priceless. *He’s not a real male and he will never be anywhere near our Omega again or he’ll be ash,* Nox said, matter of fact. Grace’s jaw fell and
~Grace’s Point of View~I’d just finished an interview out on the street with several news outlets that were far more professional and concerned about my company than the bitch from last night. I was beyond relieved to be home and back with sane people. Mostly.None of us had slept on the plane and we were all beyond exhausted. It was only noon by east coast time but my head was still somehow hours ahead but also thinking it was night time. Jet lag I guess.My heart was absolutely full seeing all of the employees out here, basically in support of me. Or against Bruce but either way it worked only in my favor. They were all declaring with one loud voice that they would not work for him.Jack was holed up in a cafe across the street, he’d basically paid to close it down and take it over as an office for his techs. We were terrified the network would crash or there would be some bigger catastrophe. As if being locked out of my own building wasn’t bad enough. Finch was over at the cafe
~Grace’s Point of View~ BANG BANG “Call to order,” I heard, as I shoved my way into the board room. I’d lost my shoes some time ago and I was a sweaty mess even though the guys carried me through some of the flights. My legs were like jello. Fuck I need to get in shape! “Grace you’re not on the board, you have no say here,” Benjamin shouted, holding up his hand. The twins weren’t even going to try coming in, they knew it would be pointless. But even just standing outside, they’d hear it all. I took in Reed, sitting at the far end and I squinted, pissed off. “He’s not on the board either, but you’re not tossing him out,” I said, fixing my blouse and finding a chair. “Fine,” Felicity said, as everyone settled in. Benjamin stayed standing and stared me down. I wasn’t having it!! He had been the VP of Human Resources until semi-retiring a few years ago and accepting the seat on the board when my grandfather wanted to fully retire. He’d always hated me. He was the epitome of the
~Two Years Later~ “One, you’re really sure? This isn’t going to be some sick joke later on,” I said, wagging my finger at the doctor. “Just one baby Grace. ONE. I swear,” she giggled. I nodded, relieved beyond all measure. One baby. Wolf or dragon? I’m willing to bet this will be a fight. While the guys knew I was pregnant they didn’t know that I’d snuck to the doctor without them. I knew they’d be mad but I needed to know. I had been desperate to find out on my own. Only one more, I can handle that. I’d made the guys wear condoms for well over a year after I had the quads, desperate to not have a repeat. They absolutely hated it, and so did I. But it was too risky. Everyone assured me the chances of having another set of four was basically no chance. The guys also tried to convince me they didn’t need to wear them or could pull out during my less fertile times. I’m Grace Astor, things happen to me that never happen to other people. That is a fact. Although we hadn’t been car
~Jack’s Point of View~I completely get why Grace is doing this, where she’s coming from, but talking out my damn “feelings” with Warrick? The last flipping thing I want to be doing right now. But I heard everything she said and she’s 100% right. There isn’t a chance in hell I could ever let him hurt one of my girls the way he hurt me so many times. Disappointed me and left me. Those girls are literally my everything next to Grace, it was hard to imagine I could hold so much love in my heart for the little creatures I didn’t even really know yet but I do. Four girls. Still unreal. Two female dragons. Brenda joked that I needed to hire professional security, bodyguards. But I wasn’t sure that was a bad idea. If it ever got out… what they are… Nox was desperate to shift and sniff them, check them out. But it was far too chilly to bring them outside in the middle of winter, even though for Atlanta it was mild. I promised him in the next week or so we could take them to the Sky Light s
~Grace’s Point of View~ Before I knew what was happening I was splayed out on my bed, my clothes gone except for my sports bra. How the hell does he move so fast? “Clock! Bring me the clock,” I moaned, as another sharp pain hit me, paralyzing me. “No. I’ve helped birth many babies, I helped with Jack and Finch. We’ll be fine,” he said, running into the room with a large bowl and some towels. My eyes practically rolled into the back of my head. “Are you out of your fucking mind? I need my doctor! I need… Brenda, get my phone,” I shouted, as I screamed in pain. Brenda had been acting as my breathing coach and also helping me with what to expect. I wouldn’t say we had gotten close but I enjoyed her company and there was a weird familiarity to her. When he left the room again it was all I could to try and reach the house phone on the side table. Thank god Jack insisted on putting it there though literally no one ever calls it. I didn’t have many numbers memorized, but I knew the o
~Grace’s Point of View~ I yawned, feeling utterly exhausted. I glanced around the living room at the heap of gifts we’d brought in from work yesterday. I had little to no desire to go through it all. What did I want? Outside of a nap and food the thing I loved so much was laying on the beach at the Sky Light. I’d since learned they called the beach “Bonnie” which is the Scottish word for beautiful. Jack had made me a hammock between two trees and it was my favorite place. When you’re big as a beached whale, getting to swing in a hammock that makes you feel weightless is a welcome treat. At our doctor’s appointment a couple of days ago the doc said the babies were each about 4 ½ pounds a piece and anytime they came would be okay. “Are you sure you want to go? Everyone would understand if we skipped. I mean you could literally give birth anytime now,” Jack asked, rubbing my back. I smiled at him and went about packing some snacks. “Of course I want to lay in my hammock. It’s my th
~Three Months Later~ ~Finch’s Point of View~ “Everyday, better and better,” I laughed, staring down at the headlines of several newspapers. I’d started a little collection. Might even use them as wallpaper. “Downfall of Astor Connects Execs: Guilty Pleas All Around” “Millions Swindled From Payroll At AC By Its Own Lawyer Recovered” “Grace Astor Turns AC Into The Most Diverse and Inclusive Employer” “AC Stocks Soar As Company Reinvents Itself” I ran my fingers over the one about Grace. So … damn proud of her. Just then the door burst open and I moved my laptop onto the table with the papers. “Cover of Forbes,” Grace shouted, squealing. I grinned as she ran into her office and fell into my lap on the couch. Well, as much as a woman who is a couple weeks away from having quadruplets can do. She kind of just waddles at this point but it's too cute. Her poor feet get so swollen that she wears slippers now everywhere she goes. The smile and happiness that radiated off of her fill
~Grace’s Point of View~ “There’s no way I’m leaving you alone with him. He could shift and snatch you up and--” I held up my hand to indicate Jack needed to calm down. I rubbed my belly and then grabbed his hand to put it on there too. “Jack, he’s not going to hurt a preggo. He won’t,” I said, trying to believe myself. It seemed like the babies were literally all Warrick cared about, so he would protect them. He had to. Jack’s eyes darted to Finch, who shrugged. “What would you even say,” Finch asked, adding his hand to my tummy. “I do better when I’m on the spot, when I’m just speaking from the heart. I’ll figure it out,” I said, putting my hands on each of their shoulders. “Who even knows where he is right now. Probably tormenting someone,” Jack said, sighing. I looked up to the sky. For all I cared I could just march out into a big open space, or the beach and scream for him. Supposed to have that good shifter hearing right? That was all I had anyhow, seemed like a good pl
~Grace’s Point of View~ I laid still, staring at Finch as he slept. Needless to say, their revelation about what my father did definitely destroyed my mood. My father … gave years of his life to help a stranger? He wouldn’t even meet me for dinner? I had boyfriends on and off in my 20’s all the time, several I brought home. Mom would either smile or stick her nose up. Dad hardly ever met them, he was never around. He never asked about them, if they made me happy. He never asked much about me … as a person. Of course all I wanted to know was the big question… Why did he do it? Would he have even done it for me? That thought, made me sick. A shadow cast over the back of the teepee, and I knew someone was there. I had no clue if they were here for me, or if I could even get up without waking my mates. The answer came on its own, when the woman I knew to be Ensley stuck her head in the flap, nearly making me jump. She gave a big wave of her arm and a smile. I sat up and looked at Jac
~Grace’s Point of View~ “And would you believe little Jack got bit by that snake right on his--” “Mom! Really,” Jack whined, not enjoying the story hour. I giggled and slapped his leg. Iris and his entire family, minus the absent father were incredible. Really just sweet people even if they’re all okay with lots of nudity. In front of their family. Weird. They also had a different vocabulary on a lot of things, though I was able to mostly follow along. I was relieved Jack thought to pack some drinks and food he knew I’d like. They’re both just so damn thoughtful. I yawned, stretching out in front of the fire. I’d never been camping before, nothing even close to this. But I supposed as a shifter this was just natural, normal. Jack moved behind me and held me tight. “Can I take you somewhere,” he whispered, his voice dangerous. It sent tingles all over my body. Though it doesn’t take much anymore. I’m now like the female version of Finch, it’s all I think about. It’s just a matter
~Jack’s Point of View~ DING DONG Nox immediately put up his guard, who the hell was ringing my bell at 8am? His shifter senses knew right away though who it was, well the two people. “Brenda, morning, Felix. You guys are awfully…” I trailed off, taking in the backpacks they had on. “Morning, so glad you wanted to come,” Grace said, practically shoving me aside. *What is going on? I thought we were going away with our mate. ALONE,* Nox bellowed, not happy. I let out a weak laugh, so did I. So did I. What are you doing Grace? *Did you know about this,* I asked Finch, over mind-link. He popped out of the bathroom, toothbrush still in hand. *Uhm, what the…* he trailed off. “Morning newlyweds,” Brenda said, a little too chipper. She had a huge tote bag that Nox was telling me had a lot of herbs and spices. Oh no. No, no no no no. “Grace, baby… Are we… Having our honeymoon at the Sky Light,” I asked, timidly. “Yeah! I thought it was a great idea. I hardly got to see much o