Chapter 17

NATHANIEL




Long before Ayra came along, I struggled to understand how Logan and Kimberly lived with the mating bond.




It had seemed rather strange to me that they had that level of commitment to each other. The way they subconsciously reached for each other when the other was stressed out. The way his face lit up whenever he saw her. Aside from my brothers, I wasn't that protective of anyone, but that came with the territory of being related to them.




But today in that building, the fear that had gripped me was like no other. I hadn't felt that way in a long while, the cold fingers of fear crawling up my spine as nausea built in the pit of my stomach.




While in the hospital with Logan and Kai, my mind had been crippled with the eagerness to check on Ayra myself even though I could feel she was alright. 




It was pathetic, and I was disgusted with myself. I didn't work that way. I wondered what my brothers would say if they could see me right now. They'd probably share the same thoughts as me.




Like I'd conjured her, her citrusy scent filled my nose before I even heard her voice. "Hey. Are you okay?" 




"Why wouldn't I be?" I asked, refusing to look up from my desk. 




"I think you've brooded enough. Your pack members got hurt. Big deal. You don't have to beat yourself up about it."




"Brooding?" I inquired, a smile teasing at the corner of my lips. "I am not a child, Ayra."




She moved into my office, plopping down on a chair. "Sure looks like it to me. What did you expect from Dalia? I've told you before. That female needs help."




"If I recall correctly, you said the same thing to me."




"And I meant it. With the way things are going, I think Dalia takes the cake here."




I snorted, throwing my head back against the chair. I knew she was trying to take my mind off what happened earlier. If only she knew that wasn't what was on my mind. How should she react if she found out I was tied up in knots all because of her?




"Seriously, now, don't feel bad because you weren't able to help them."




"Come here, Ayra," I ordered, surprised when she got out of her seat and walked toward me. I tugged on her arm, even more surprised when she didn't fight me as I made her straddle me. "Did you hit your head on something?"




"Because I came here to you when you not-so-gently asked me to?" 




"Yes."




She rolled her eyes at me. "You don't need my shit right now. I understand how you must feel seeing Logan and Kai like this."




"You're wrong. Well, not totally wrong. I know Kai and Logan will be fine. I know how Nighthowlers work."




"Okay. So, what's got you stressed out?"




"A few things among others."




"I'm listening," she invited. "Go on."




"Why?"




She looked confused. 




*Me and you both, babe.*




"Why what?"




"Why do you want to listen to me?"




"Why not? I've got time on my hands, plus talking can help sort things out in your head."




"Dalia said a few things that convinced me she knows about your past."




"I thought so, too. She said something that insinuated it in the bathroom."




"Did you feel like you were connected to her when you first saw her?"




"Other than the memory flash, no. I was intrigued by her eyes, and then Logan began panicking. He got us out of there immediately. Can you not arrange a meeting with her and have a civil discussion?"




"I talked to her today. What did she end up doing? Deafening Logan and Kai for days."




"Don't linger on it. I honestly don't understand why you're looking for her."




"She almost killed you," I reminded her.




"I don't think she was planning to do that. Even though I was terrified and shaking to my bones, I knew she wouldn't kill me."




"And I know Dalia. She's nastier than you could ever imagine."




I knew how deadly her powers were, but what she did today was on a whole new level, like her powers had been amplified. 




Or maybe she had finally gotten a grip on her powers and had learned to utilize them better.




"Well, worrying won't solve shit. Kai and Logan will be fine, and you can come up with something. Who knows? She might never bother us again."




I nodded in agreement even though I knew that wasn't true. Dalia wasn't leaving her soon, and if there was anything I knew about the Nighthowler, it was her relentless, and the way she kept to her promises.




"You should go hang out with your friends. I have a few things to get done."




She grinned at me. "So now I can leave the house? Maybe Dalia isn't that bad after all."




I smiled, pinching her ass. "Don't make me change my mind."




She fell quiet, staring at me like she was just seeing me for the first time. "You should smile more often. It transforms your face."




"Don't be late," I reminded her.




"I won't." She pressed her lips against mine, and after realizing what she'd done, she pulled away from me. "Don't be too miserable while I'm gone."




"I'll just bring you over for another pep talk."




"It'll cost you. I don't offer my services for free."




I pulled her head down, claiming her lips with mine. She didn't fight back like I expected, instead deepening the kiss. 




She ground her crotch against mine, her wet heat rubbing against my steely cock, sending pleasure through my body.




I tugged hard on her hair, effectively breaking the kiss. "If you want to go to your friends, we should stop. I'm only a second away from bending you over this desk."




"You're right," she said, climbing off my lap before she straightened her dress. "I'll be back in a few hours."