Tempted by Darkness (10 page)

He’d sat last night and watched her play with
their children, grinning like a fool as the two small magicals
practiced their rapidly expanding repertoire of skills. The
toddlers were already moving small objects and even though Adana
had been the first to show a natural affinity for magic, Ryan was
catching up fast. Just a few days ago, Ruby had noted Ryan would be
able to match his sister in just a few weeks. Kit had been working
with them on shielding themselves from moving objects. She’d
explained that her hope was to protect them from one another, but
Jameson suspected she was already planning for their future. As he
and this brother looked on, they’d wondered if they had ever been
that competitive. Ruby’s snort of laughter from his side had been
all the answer they’d needed.

“You two were the most competitive children
I’d ever met. Your mother thanked the Great Goddess above that you
weren’t magical. I’m not sure either of you would have survived if
you’d had magic to use against one another.” They’d both laughed
because she was right. But even though they’d been fiercely
competitive, they’d also been each other’s best friend. Jameson
didn’t know if all twins shared the intense connection they felt,
he only knew that his brother was his other half. He remembered
talking to his dads late one night after returning from a run. A
few of their older friends in the pack were mating and Jameson had
been worried about how a third person would change his relationship
with his brother.

Both of his dads had listened intently to his
concerns and then patiently explained why he needn’t worry. That
night had been one of the most important lessons they’d ever taught
him and he was ashamed he’d forgotten it the other night with Kit.
Both of his dads could have easily become frustrated with him for
questioning himself and his brother. But they’d calmly listened to
his insecurities and validated his concerns while allaying them.
Don’t you wish you had followed their example the other night
with Kit? You should have opened your heart to the woman who has
made you and your brother even stronger as Alphas rather than
merely thinking about how her thoughts affected you.

Taking a deep breath, Jameson turned away
from the window and took a mental inventory of their office. He
wanted to be sure everything was in place, because today was Kit’s
first scheduled training session with Devin. Several members of the
Supreme Council were due to arrive at any time, and Kit’s parents
had made an appearance late last night. Jameson and Trev both were
finally starting to understand Carla Harris a little better, and
while Kit’s mother might not ever be one of their favorite people,
she seemed to be mellowing as time passed. There was no question
that she was a powerful witch, and the fact she’d almost died
helping their parents defend them had also played heavily in her
favor. But her continual sniping at her daughter was almost more
than Jameson could overlook at times.

Moving back behind his desk, he was surprised
to see Marcus Hines leaning against the wall by the door. Waving
him toward one of the chairs facing his desk, Jameson watched as he
sauntered across the wooden floor. The man could move as silently
as a soft breeze, something Jameson had always admired, but today
it just seemed creepy. His longtime friend and mentor hadn’t been
back to the estate since the night his role in the drama unfolding
around them had been revealed. How Marcus had deceived him for so
long was something Jameson had spent a lot of time thinking
about—it had been a humbling realization. Why the man hadn’t told
them about his friendship with Kit’s grandfather had been
frustrating enough, but the fact he was Damian and Devin’s
half-brother had nearly been a deal breaker in their
friendship.

“To what do I owe this unexpected pleasure?”
Jameson didn’t even try to keep the sarcasm from his voice. They’d
seen Marcus a few times since that night, but things were still
decidedly strained between them. Kit had dragged them along when
she’d gone to visit after the birth of Marcus and Reagan’s son, but
they hadn’t stayed long enough for any of them to feel comfortable
together again.

“You know full well why I am here. I won’t
let Kit face this alone. I promised her grandfather I’d look after
her, and I intend to fulfill that promise—no matter who it annoys.”
Typical Marcus. He wasn’t willing to admit he felt guilty for
misleading everyone he’d called a friend. And he had a remarkable
way of making this all about him. Fucking narcissist.

Marcus Hines owned one of the most exclusive
sex clubs in the country. Memberships were coveted and the fees
spoke to the social and economic status of those who could afford
them. Marcus had attained a level of success in the lifestyle that
most club owners could only dream of, but the fact he was probably
several hundred years old probably contributed a lot to his success
as well. His expertise was sought after and his financial success
was envied, but Jameson had always sensed a restlessness just below
the surface—now he knew why.

Stalking back to sit behind his desk, Jameson
leaned forward and asked, “Tell me exactly why you are
really
here, Marcus. You don’t expect me to just let you
waltz out to the meadow and observe, do you? And that is assuming
you can get past Ruby, which I personally doubt—she might be
little, but she sure seems to have a serious kick ass attitude when
it comes to you.”

To Jameson’s surprise, Marcus actually
laughed out loud before responding, “That she does. But to be fair,
you need to look at both sides of that story. I’m willing to
concede my error in not confiding to you and Trev that I knew where
your mate was—even though I still think it played out the way it
was intended to. But Ruby is more culpable in this than she is
willing to admit. And as for gaining your permission, that’s a
non-issue because I’m here to protect Kit, not hurt her. All the
other factors aside, Kit is still a submissive who is a member of
Dark Knights, and that means she falls under my protection when
it’s within my ability to provide it.” Marcus studied his
fingernails as if they were suddenly the most interesting thing in
the world before looking up and grinning, “Besides, Reagan has been
struggling with the whole mommy thing, and I’m hoping to redeem
myself a bit in her eyes because as it turns out, I’m not really
that much help with the baby.”

Jameson couldn’t hold back his roar of
laughter. Could it be the great and mighty Marcus Hines was being
humbled by his own infant son? “You know, that almost makes up for
the fucking ass wipe stunt you pulled. Knowing that you have
finally found something that you aren’t
perfect
at is sweet
vindication, for sure. Hell, for years I’ve worried
someone—probably Reagan, was going to nominate you for
sainthood.”

Marcus chuckled, but before he could respond
Ruby stormed into the room. “What do you think you are doing,
Marcus? Did the Supreme Council ask you to attend today? Boy oh
boy, this chaps my ass I tell you. Why they think you are the best
thing since sliced bread I have no idea—it’s amazing really that I
seem to be the only one who knows what a worm you are. They sent
you, didn’t they? And has my husband spoken to you from the other
side as well?” When Marcus merely nodded, she turned on the heel of
her shocking pink high-tops and stomped from the room muttering
something about incompetent fools and traitorous ghosts, leaving a
trail of smoke in her wake. Kit’s strong emotions lit candles, but
Ruby seemed to be able to conjure smoke from absolutely nothing.
He’d always wanted to ask her about it, but hadn’t found a time
when he wasn’t worried his inquiry might not lead to a visit from
the local fire department.

Before he and Marcus could discuss the
situation any further, Braden bounced into the room with Cecil Owen
trailing close behind. “Hey, I just met Granny Good Witch in the
entry and she seemed really pissed.” Braden’s eyes settled on
Marcus and the young wizard stopped so quickly Cecil actually
bumped into him. “Well, I guess I know what set her off.” Jameson
admired the young man’s loyalty to his mentor and grinned when
Braden’s eyes narrowed, “What did you do? You better not have hurt
her feelings again.”

Cecil settled his long slender fingers over
the teen’s shoulders and Jameson watched as Braden’s muscles seemed
to relax right in front of his eyes. The two wizards had become
fast friends despite their significant age difference, and watching
them interact had Jameson wondering which one was reaping the
bigger benefit. Most of the time he considered it a draw. Before he
could respond, Trev and Kit entered the room, and they were soon
followed by several newcomers, who Jameson assumed were members of
the Supreme Council.

Braden had made his way to Jameson’s side and
snickered, “They are a strange group, aren’t they? The first time I
met the witches from the Council I wondered if they’d dressed in
costumes just to freak me out, but Cecil says they always dress
like either
meirdreaches
or flower children—whatever that
means.” Jameson had to bite the insides of his cheeks to keep his
smile to a minimum. He wasn’t about to tell the young man
meirdreach
was an Old Irish term for prostitute, so
essentially the older wizard had said his fellow Council members
dressed like streetwalkers and hippies.

Listening as the Council members rattled on
about all the precautions they felt should be in place, Jameson
found himself wanting to roll his eyes at the highhanded attitude.
How on earth they had so little faith in Kit baffled him. Hell, she
was fucking brilliant and her innate goodness wouldn’t ever steer
her wrong.
Holy fucking hell.
Jameson suddenly felt as if
he’d been run over by a truck. He’d been treating her the same
way—even though his meddling was coming from a place of love, it
really wasn’t any different. He owed his sweet mate a big
apology—something he intended to provide as soon as possible.

By the time Kit was finally allowed to make
her way to the meadow, Jameson knew she was reaching the end of her
patience. There were small lines bracketing the corners of her eyes
that were always a dead giveaway that she was pushing herself past
exhaustion. Pushing his words into her mind was easy since she had
very little resistance when tired. ‘
I’m very proud of you, love.
You’re going to do great and we’ll be nearby if you need us.’
He felt more than heard her acknowledgement and gratitude.

Kit walked to the meadow followed by a
ridiculous number of
observers
and was almost relieved to
see Devin standing at the edge of the ravine. When she got close
enough to see his grin, she could only shake her head. “I hope you
know this wasn’t my doing. Holy horseshoes and hand grenades this
is almost as embarrassing as having my mother walk me into for the
first day school each year.”