Page 39 of Nita's Redemption

“The scent I said I recognized earlier but couldn’t put a finger on where I had smelled it before? I smell it on Bakra, only it’s like she rubbed up on a tree or something, and now it’s on her clothing, not a part of her. However, Hurricane and the others have that smell like it’s a part of them. I’ve also smelled it on Tamara slightly, but only when she’s returned from visiting her family who live in the swamp place. Where is Hurricane and the Shadow Ravens Pack staying?” Nita asked.

Gray and Colt flashed away, returning in seconds. “They’re kicking back in the trailers. Hurricane and Honor are arguing about what they should do tomorrow. I think she wants to kill something, and he is telling her no. Smart male. I too smell what you’re referring too with the Shadow Ravens. When I returned the scent clinging to Bakra is slightly different, like you said it’s on her not a part of her. But that’s not the only difference. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, B, but that which clings to you is tainted. You should return to Olympus and get a cleansing,” Gray said.

Link and his mates watched the interaction, waiting for Bakra to flash away in anger. She stared at the ground and then nodded.

“This sucks. I am here to watch over our Nita. Whatever that was over there...it’s dark. We need to irradicate them before they hurt our people.” Bakra finally looked over toward Nita, eyes bright blue. “I am sorry I failed you, child.”

Nita shook her head. “You didn’t fail me or anyone, B. Go get that taint off and come back.”

“I’ll go with her and explain what we’ve found. Maybe big Z will have some answers,” Colt said, laughing at whatever his female whispered.

ABE FUCKING HATED THE scent of fear permeating his mate. He hated the way her gorgeous eyes had dimmed like she thought it was her fault this bullshit was going on. Had she forgotten this pack had been dealing with traitors since before she’d been born? It was time he and his brothers reminded her. Tank may not be of the same blood, but they were brothers. Nita had solidified their bond, tying them together completely so that the only way to undo them was to... he wasn’t going to taint them with thoughts of what ifs. Like he’d always said, don’t go borrowing trouble when you already got enough of your own to deal with.

“You’re overthinking and overtaking, bro,” Link said, bumping his shoulder.

He shook his head watching his brother carry their female into their home. A quick glance behind them showed Tank following at a slower pace. There was a hardness that hadn’t been there before the shock of his half-sibling’s arrival. Fuck, he wasn’t sure how they were going to navigate this new shitshow.

“Stop thinking you need to Dr. Phil me,” Tank growled.

“Therapy is overrated,” he said. “Besides, I skipped the last semester of my doctor classes. I do have the certificate to give shots though. You need me to shoot you in the ass?”

Tank lifted both hands with the middle finger lifted on each. “You really don’t want to come at me with anything sharp, bro.”

Abe smiled and knowing they’d all be called many things. Assholes, tough little shits, or as they’ve grown, tough bastards. Hell, they’ve pretty much been yelled at by every male and female in the pack, as well as many humans in town as everything under the sun that was bad. Many had claimed they’d never find a female because they were too crass, too big, too... everything. Yet while he held Nita, anyone watching would see nothing but tenderness and love.

“Fuck, I look at her and I want to wrap her up in bubble-wrap and keep her safe from the world. Who the hell am I?” Tank asked, running a hand down his face.

“You are a wonderful male. Now why don’t you two get your candyasses in here and show me how much you want to love me,” Nita said.

Abe looked at Tank, then back at Nita. “Did she just call us candyasses? I think we need to teach our mate just who is sweet and who isn’t. I get pussy,” he yelled, running to where Link had left Nita standing while he went and ensured the home was secure. Silly male. He dropped the prize, which meant he was now in possession.

“Abe,” Nita squeaked.

“Hey, I’m just collecting the spoils of his loss.” Abe didn’t run, but he sure as shit made the journey to their master suite faster than the other two males did. He tossed Nita onto the center of the bed. “Clothes off female,” he rumbled.

She moved to her knees, jerking the top over her head. He licked his lips at the sight of her gorgeous copper breasts with the coral tipped nipples.

“Are you going to stand there and drool?” Nita’s husky voice drew his gaze to her eyes that had gone brighter with her shifter side rising.

“Hell no. Those other two will come and steal all your kisses,” Abe muttered, ripping at his shirt before attacking the fly of his jeans. If there was one thing he was jealous about the Ravens, it was their ability to get naked with a simple thought. He wondered if he could ask the big Z if he could grant them that the next time he saw him.

“What are you thinking so hard about?”

He launched himself onto the bed, landing next to a fabulously naked Nita. “Goddess, I love every inch of you.”

“Hmm,” Nita agreed. “You didn’t answer my question.”

Abe pinned her to the bed, coming over her, holding his weight on his forearms and knees. “Are you comfortable?” he asked.

She wiggled a little, moving her legs until they were outside of his. “Now I am. Besides, there’s a paradox surrounding the concept of comfort. We all love it and are drawn by it, yet we’re often encouraged to avoid it.”

He bent and nuzzled his nose against hers. “Fuck, I’m so damn hard hearing you talk all smart and shit. Boys, our mate isn’t just a pretty face, a sexy as fuck female, she’s smarter than you two dumbasses.”

Nita giggled and slapped at his chest. That. That was exactly what he, they needed. Her laughter and a moment to forget all about the outside world.

Abe bent, bringing his mouth over hers, brushing lightly, easing her into the kiss unlike before where he felt it was rush, rush. This time, he wanted to show her tenderness, and loving. She’d always been special to him and his brothers when they’d come across her all those years ago. They’d wanted to save her then. Now they wanted to protect and love her for the rest of their lives.

“Stop thinking and fucking kiss her like you mean it, asshole.”