Page 24 of Ashes

Tanner nods then says, “It was for both of you,” nudging me with his shoulder. “I did it for both of you.”

I squeeze his leg. “I’m sorry you had to revisit that place. Thank you.”

Tanner gets up and starts removing clothes from the dresser, loading them into a black holdall. Last time he went to the cabin, it was with the intention of it being a short trip. This time, we’re both aware it could be more long-term if Mack can’t pull the Bureau over to our side.

“I jumped twice.” Tanner’s back is facing me. His voice is quiet.

“Twice?” I stand up and move so he has to look at me. “How’s that even possible?”

Tanner shrugs, but his face is pale. “I’m okay,” he says, a little shakily. “I’m okay. I just need these headaches to shift so I can focus on Nico. I can’t get a reading from him. I keep trying but—”

“Wolves are always hard to read,” I tell him. “Don’t overdo it.” I look down at him, studying his face. It’s different. His eyes are nervous, unfocussed. “I know what it’s like to fight a demon inside,” I say quietly, pressing my palm to his chest. “I can help.”

“I’m okay.” Tanner closes his eyes. His hand moves to my waist. He leans into me. His mouth is on my neck when I hear Nova.

A scream. Downstairs.

We lock eyes and run from the room. It came from the back of the house. The ballroom.

“Nova?!” Tanner calls. But when we reach the door, he stops. He turns around and puts his hands on my arms to stop me barging through it.

“What?” My veins are throbbing. I want to rip the door off its hinges. “What is it?”

But Tanner’s not worried anymore; he’s smiling. “She’s not hurt,” he says quietly, closing his eyes so I know he’s letting her feelings wash over him. “She’s with Mack.”

I raise my eyebrows.

Tanner grips the handle.

I’m about to stop him when I hear her again. This time, she’s not yelling, she’s pleading. “Daddy, don’t stop…”

I look at Tanner. He adjusts his cock in his pants and laughs as he lightly thumps the wall. “Hearing her call the professor ‘Daddy’ shouldnotturn me on but—”

I know you’re there. Nova’s voice in my head drowns out Tanner’s.Are you going to come in?

12

NOVA

Mack’s tongue has brought stars to my eyes. As he expertly sucks and nibbles my clit, he hooks his fingers inside me, and the movement makes me yelp with pleasure. “Daddy, don’t stop.” I shout too loud, but who the hell cares?

Then something else rushes through me. A force that freezes my breath in my lungs and makes my entire body tense.

Mack feels me stiffen beneath him and stops. He runs his hands up my body, cups my face. “Nova? Did I hurt you?”

I shake my head. I can’t speak. Mack’s erection is pressing into me, but it’s still trapped inside his pants; every time I try to remove them, he stops me.

“We have company,” I tell him, holding on tight, running my hands down his back, taking the moment to catch my breath.

As the door opens, Mack stands, offering me his hand so I can sit up. I wrap my legs around his waist and peer out from behind him. Tanner and Kole are in the doorway. Tanner is grinning. Kole isn’t, but he’s not pissed; he’s drinking us in.

Mack hasn’t looked at the boys but moves to pull away from me.

I tighten my grip on his waist, clenching him with my thighs. I take his hand and slide it back between my legs. “You brought me so close. You can’t leave now.”

Mack sighs as he presses his forehead to mine. Then, hands appear on his waist. Tanner’s hands. Mack doesn’t take his eyes from me. I expect him to be surprised by Tanner’s touch, but he leans into it.

Tanner tugs Mack’s pants, and his impressive length finally springs free. Instantly, my hands go to his shaft. I hop down and kneel in front of him, running my fingers up the inside of his legs until I reach his balls. He turns and leans back against the pool table, tilting his hips for me.

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