Page 73 of Kidnapping Their Third

“I would enjoy that immensely,” Kimble agreed. “If possible, I’d rather not talk about my maker. She was a deeply unpleasant person who hurt me badly.”

Cora made a pained sound, and Pike wished he could reach back and embrace Kimble. “When we get to where we’re going, I want to hug you.”

“I’ll accept every kiss, hug, or touch you wish to bestow on me,” Kimble agreed.

They’d been driving for over an hour, and Pike still couldn’t get over the change in Kimble. Not only was he speaking normally, but his speech pattern and vocabulary was that of a well-traveled and educated person. Pike hadn't met that many vampires, but he’d been told that it was common for the older ones to sound like college professors.

Kimble’s improved language skills wasn’t the only thing that had changed. He carried himself differently now. Before, he’d always seemed uneasy, even when they were inside his apartment or Cora’s house. When they’d go out, he would watch the world around them as if an attack was imminent. Pike never saw him relax apart from when the sun forced him to.

Except maybe after sex, but even then, he wouldn’t rest easy for long.

Now Kimble was practically lounging in the back seat of the Caddy, back resting against the side of the car, one leg stretched out across the bench seat and Cora tucked securely against his body.

It made Pike think Kimble was used to being chauffeured around. For the first time, Pike got a slightly uneasy feeling. It hadn’t bothered him that Kimble had a life before because thevampire couldn’t remember it. Now that he knew who he was, Pike worried he wouldn’t fit into Kimble’s world.

Pike hadn’t even attended the last year of high school. He’d hated the way the other kids teased him for his size, and some would even try to pick fights to show how tough they were. His mom helped him test out early so he didn’t have to do his senior year.

He wasn’t a big reader, like Kimble, and he wasn’t a skilled tradesperson with his own business like Cora. Despite his tall stature, Pike felt small compared to his lovers.

A warm hand landed on his shoulder and squeezed. “I can feel you fretting, but don’t. You’re perfect,sloneczko. You were perfect when I found you, and you’re perfect now.”

As Kimble said the words, Pike felt a warm rush of love push through their bond. Before, the best Kimble could do was press his anxiety on Pike. Now he could share all kinds of emotions including the one Pike needed the most.

“Were those Pike’s feelings?” Cora asked.

Kimble kept his hand on Pike’s shoulder, massaging the muscle there as he spoke to Cora. “What did you feel?”

“I got suddenly worried about being good enough and felt like I wasn’t worthy.”

Mortification made him glad he was alone in the front seat. “Sorry. I’ll try not to bleed my emotions onto you over our connection.”

“That isn’t what you should be apologizing for,” Kimble admonished.

“It’s still there, maybe even a little stronger now,” Cora said. “Pike, how can you feel embarrassed or as if you're less than either of us? You’re the best of us. Anyone can learn shit; you are naturally kind and caring. That’s damn near impossible to learn!”

“She’s correct,” Kimble said, sending him another wave of tender emotions. “You’ve proven to both of us over and over again that you have no end of patience and love. Someone as pure in heart as you are is rare. You’re a treasure.”

Cora’s hand landed on his other shoulder. “You’re the best bear a girl could have.”

His worry didn’t completely vanish with their words, but most of it dissipated as he felt Cora and Kimble’s honest adoration of him come through their link.

“Here,” Kimble called out suddenly, startling Pike into slamming on the brakes. The Caddy screeched to a halt with groans from the frame and ancient suspension. A glance over his shoulder showed that Kimble had kept Cora secure against him during the sudden stop.

“Damn, we can always turn around, no need to make Pike park in the road!” Cora grumbled.

“Now it is I who is embarrassed,” Kimble said, giving Pike’s shoulder one more squeeze before letting go to point out the window. “I’m sorry. My excitement at being home got the better of me. Please turn into that drive on your left.”

Pike slowly nosed the car around until he was on the road Kimble indicated. There were several signs declaring the place private property and warning people not to trespass. No sooner had he passed the second set of signs than he started smelling wolf shifters. Lots of wolf shifters!

“Are you sure we’re in the right place?” Pike asked. “I don’t want to upset a wolf pack by entering their territory without permission.”

“Are we talking about real wolves?” Cora asked.

“Shifters,” Pike answered.

“They won’t hurt either of you,” Kimble promised.

“Should we call someone?” Pike asked, slowing the car to single digit speeds. “We should really contact the pack’s alpha. Good alphas are protective of their people.”

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