Reno Read online

  A small whimper escaped as Deos writhed around. Jericho gently placed Daisy next to her brother and kissed his mate on the forehead. The only place on her body that likely didn’t hurt. It was amazing from one end to the other – the pregnancy and the birth. Fucking. Incredible.

  Reno shifted away from the side of the bed towards Aili. Like a beacon in a heavy fog, he knew he would always find her. When Aili looked up at him, smiling brightly, Reno turned to mush – that there kinda shit would get her anything she wanted.

  Huh?

  Just a smile?

  He was always in for way more than just that.

  Hell, yeah, her smile had his name written all over it and that pleased him to no end.

  Deos howled with frustration. “There, there.” Abe crooned softly, snuggling him up to her breast. Daisy was busy nursing on the other, guzzling so fast that milk spilled out the side of her tiny mouth to pool on her mother’s breast.

  Jericho nonchalantly leaned in and licked up the pool – wanting a taste.

  “Kiss me, mate.”

  Jericho did just that.

  Always on point, Jericho noticed Reno havin’ a real hard time keeping his focus and fucking attention off the pretty doctor. Reno, otherwise known as Hollywood behind his back, never failed to be on the lookout for females 247. And, it looked like Dr. McFeerson was returning Reno’s interest in a sweet, shy way. No doubt, Reno meant to take advantage of her and that made for a fucking messy situation.

  He’d have to warn Reno off soon – Aili McFeerson came with a lot of conditions from her Father – Duke McFeerson – and certainly wasn’t a fuck–‘em–and–leave type of female.

  In the doorway up on his haunches, Bear growled a desperate plea.

  Abe smiled widely, “Bear, to me.”

  Aili's head swivelled as the big bear hunkered into the room and simply disappeared. Automatically, she sought out Reno for answers, meeting his incredible blue eyes.

  The big warrior winked, his amusement showing when he curled up one corner of his mouth, revealing a tantalizing white smile.

  Aili couldn't help but stare – he was one handsome male. Too handsome and he likely knew it too.

  Damn, what a shame.

  Both babes slept in the cradle Jericho carved. Eshter arrived, seven months pregnant, not willing to miss a moment with her friend, Abe. No one stopped them as Roald Gildwood, leader of the Shifters, carried his mate up the front stairs, only letting her feet touch the floor when they hit the top.

  Jericho met Roald in the hallway, giving Esh a big hug before she rushed into the bedroom eager to see Abe and the new babes. Zulu and Blake – one of Roald's most trusted warriors – were on guard outside the door.

  Every female in the house remained inside the bedroom with Abe and the babies, unable to tear themselves away.

  Downstairs, the males were revved up as the adrenaline rush from the birth of the twins was still drilling through most. It was an incredibly epic moment that King and Queen of the Jinn were parents to twins.

  Still pumped, Reno blurted, “Why aren’t they crying? Babies are supposed to cry all the time, my man.”

  Jericho shrugged and grinned. “They’re happy.”

  Conn’s big paw slammed into his back and then Jericho was lifted high by Roald who unceremoniously tossed him to Reno like a sack of flour with all of them hooting and hollering congratulations. Cigars were passed around as they moved into the great room.

  Jericho grabbed Roald by the shoulder. “You’re next.” Suddenly, thick fur lay under his hand and Roald dropped down close to the floor.

  Roald, a Kodiak shifter, chuffed but thankfully stayed down on all fours. In an instant, he shifted back. “Sorry. When it comes to my cubs, it gets away from me.”

  Conn gulped. “Did ye say cubs?"

  Roald beamed. “Indeed, more like a litter. Minimum six.” To Jericho he said, “Two? Pffft!”

  White faced, Reno only shook his head. It wasn’t funny. Two babies were overwhelming – he had seen the trance state it put Jericho into. Any more and it was off the fucking Richter Scale.

  A raw roar of laughter belted out of Roald at sight of Reno and Jericho’s shocked expressions. “We’ll raise them with lotsa family help and a little more on the side. Esh is ecstatic.”

  Jericho nodded. “It shows, man. She’s more beautiful than ever.”

  Roald smiled his agreement, having an abiding connection to the big unsurpassed Jinn. They had lived it, sacrificed so much, watched those they once loved die or be killed – both knew the beauty of their lives in those sweet moments, between the times of constant defense and protection for those they loved.

  Reno’s grin was wide, but he felt a deep sense of loneliness that had always been there within him, but rarely found its way to the surface. “Congrats all the way around.”

  Loudly, cheers rang among the cigar smoke infested crew of males, celebrating the birth of not one, but two Jinn babies – the first in many generations – an astounding feat that only Abe could pull off. After all, she was a twin.

  Only minutes later, all hell broke loose. Outside wind whipped at tornado speed against the windows, rattling the frames as cold drafts filled the great room.

  “Ah, fuck,” Jericho muttered and Reno moved in close as Stan shimmied up, flanking Roald.

  “Visitors?” Roald frowned before glancing up the front stairs towards the bedroom his mate was in.

  Jericho grimaced. “Everyone is safe. It’s one my in–laws.”

  The room around them buckled and contorted, walls losing linear shape, the third dimension blending with another. A loud snap and the room returned to original linear form.

  Metatron Mykos Evergreen loomed next to the pool table, swiping Reno’s glass of Lugavulin and guzzling it down. “Again! I’ve only got seconds before the bitch is here.”

  Reno put the bottle on the rim of the pool table.

  Met drank straight from it.

  Roald, all big honey eyes, could only stare. The massive warrior’s mere presence dictated silence, respect – a kinda of don't speak until you’re spoken to aura. Uh, huh. That whole easy going regal manner of Abe’s, hell, she was born into it, her fucking father being a God! In awe – it was all over Roald’s face – and he didn’t give a shit who saw it.

  Darkness swirled at the far end of the room and Giaa formed out of a single silver thread. Her plain Quaker style long skirt and bibbed high neck shirt covered her from chin to feet and only accentuated her plainness. “My grandchildren?” her voice boomed.

  Ah, this must be Abe’s mother. With a look of pity directed at Jericho, Roald shook his head. The big Jinn might be King of his powerful race, but his mate, Abe, came from one hell of a family. Obviously, they were well up to the task of keeping Jericho in line.

  Met, of course, kept his brows low and cautious eyes on Giaa. “You do realize this is a one–time opportunity? If you blow it, you’ll never be welcome again. Consider that my last favor. Ever.”

  Giaa shrank, shoulders stooping as her head dipped down. After Abe had punched her, she came to a few conclusions. Continue as she was and she would lose her daughter forever. Change and accept and it might just turn out okay. Finally, she nodded.

  “It’s not about us anymore. It’s about them, their future and how we can help. Got it?”

  Only another nod told she agreed.

  “So, Gramma, you and me, we’re gonna go upstairs and be gentle with Annabelle, hold our grandbabies and somehow make this fucking work. No idea how. But, for Abe we’re going to do it.”

  Giaa appeared to be pouting as she stayed quiet.

  Jericho cut into the thick silence, knowing Abe would be thrilled to see both her parents. "Daisy and Deos are upstairs with Abe."

  Met spun towards Jericho, golden orbs rounded and swirling with infinity. "Deos?"

  "Yes, Deos Metatron after you and Abe's grandfather and Daisy Mary after my mother." Jericho didn't bat an eye that Giaa was completely left o
ut of the name mix.

  Met glanced down trying to regain his equilibrium and emotions. "Abe told me the names she chose if it was a boy, but never mentioned that one."

  Jericho quirked a brow at Met as if he were stupid – Abe was their resident practical joker and she never revealed her surprises beforehand. Never.

  Met's golden eyes drifted upwards. "Faglia magnus fortum atum favoro infanta." With soft cloudy eyes, he translated, "Rest well old one and may the babe live up to your name." He glanced at Giaa who appeared pleased for once, then turned to stare at Jericho. "Deos was my father's name. I am honored."

  A single lone wail swept down from the second floor and settled over the great room. Then another and two together.

  Met was at the bottom step in a flash and he flew up the front stairs. The others were left to escort Giaa who babbled away, trying to make amends with Jericho while struggling to compliment Zulu on his beads – she called them hair ornaments.

  Zulu bristled – males of his tribe never wore ornaments – that was left to their females. He had earned every single bead woven into his hair – each a badge of honor. Still, he went for a weak, watery smile in her direction, acknowledging her effort.

  Reno didn’t pay attention to what they were saying, his focus was solely on Giaa. She was one unpredictable mother, but with Met on the premises Reno wasn’t as worried as he normally would be. Giaa had the ability to cause destruction in the blink of an eye. With the newborn babes and Aili present, he wasn’t taking any chances.

  Jericho glanced at the wide open doors to their bedroom and grinned when hearing Abe’s cry of delight. He was grateful for Abe’s modesty as both babes snuggled to her breast, chest covered with a big baby blanket. Those there breasts were his, exclusively, except for short contracts with Daisy and Deos. He didn’t want them on display, beautifully showboating for anyone but him.

  Reno, too, was grateful for Abe’s modesty. Somehow, he knew the sight of the Queen’s voluminous breasts might never leave him. Not. Cool.

  Jericho was on cloud nine as he watched Met take Daisy into his arms and Giaa held Deos. Both babes, sated from Abe’s constantly weeping breasts – to which he’d had a taste or two – now ogled, little fists swiping the air.

  Deos let a big burp rip, rounding his mouth, sucking loudly, wondering if whoever held him was gonna feed him too.

  Little devil, Jericho mused.

  Aili and Reno grinned at the same time – in sync – when their eyes met the world exploded around them – new life, new events, new beginnings.

  For once, Daisy stayed absolutely quiet. She couldn’t see yet, but her cloudy blue eyes seemed to study her grandfather. Then, eyes twinkling, her lips curved into a big gummy grin that stayed in place.

  Met about dropped to his knees. This tiny being, held in the palm of his hand, nothing more than a wisp of existence, not yet fully locked on or committed to life, left him completely awestruck. If Abe was light, Daisy was so much more.

  Metatron lifted his head, eyes landing on Giaa. He could see she was as captured as he was. Two more miracles. Only this time they’d do it right.

  Giaa met his eyes and for the first time in centuries a smile played over her lips and satisfaction sat squarely upon her.

  Jericho cuddled Abe who didn’t miss a trick. She curled her hand around the back of his neck, pulling him in for a kiss, whispering, “Our children have swept the rug out from under both of them.”

  “Yeah, but for how long?”

  “Oh, muffin, you don’t know the old man. If he lays down the law to Mamam, she better toe the line or he’ll come down on her like a hammer.”

  Jericho grinned. “He already did.”

  “Liebling?” Met’s eyes tore away from Daisy only briefly to lift one brow at his magnificent daughter.

  “Oh, Daddy, we’ve given you the greatest gift ever. Face it, you’re old.”

  Met snorted loudly as Daisy captured his attention again, waving her fists in his face. “Giaa, I want to meet my grandson.” Daisy let out a loud wail, both hands fisting into her mouth. “Hush, my girl, it’s your brother Deos.”

  Giaa placed the babe into Met’s big hand and he stepped away, holding them both, eyes on Deos as he and Daisy studied the babe. Wide shoulders, big fists, he took after his father, Jericho, King of the Jinn.

  Chapter 2

  Downstairs, in the kitchen, Reno stood next to Aili, leaning against the counter. Heels off, she barely reached his shoulder and a wide yawn told she was ready to nod off. With a keen eye, Conn watched him. When he shifted closer to her, Aili sidled away.

  “I’m ready for bed.” Her eyes flicked to Conn then returned to Reno, sending him a message.

  What she meant, he’d yet to figure out except it was clear Conn was very protective and Aili just acknowledged that to him. Reno knew enough not to interfere and left the great room on his own.

  An hour later, a soft knock at his door and Reno was on it in less than a second.

  Aili wore washed out denims, black ballet flats and a long white sweater hugging her incredible body. Reno noticed she had a way of looking at him as if searching for something.

  He didn’t give a fuck what it was, but he’d damn sure find it – wherever it might be. Since laying eyes on her for the first time in his life, Reno admitted something big had changed in him. He knew in his heart that for Aili – he would move heaven and earth and then shift the Milky Way a mile or two.

  It was hers to command.

  He worked hard not to reveal his true thoughts. Aili was gorgeous and beautiful, but he didn’t mistake that for any kind of weakness. He sensed that his Aili was anything but weak.

  Always around others and still alone, he’d occasionally wondered what it would be like to mate. Have someone dedicated to him and only him.

  He had no idea it would be so intense – the attraction. To Aili, that is. He had always assumed he would remain in complete control. Now, he suspected he had it backwards.

  ‘Cause whatever she wanted was hers.

  When Aili made no move to enter his bedroom, heart palpitating, Reno offered his arm. “Take a walk?” He didn’t try to hide his woody, working hard to poke under the waist of his low riders.

  She took his arm, his skin sizzling under her touch. Aili appeared innocent and Reno truly wondered as soft fingertips stroked his forearm seemingly unaware of what she was doing.

  “We’ll have to walk inside. Outside is a no–go.”

  “That’s okay. Any exercise is good. I can’t seem to unwind. After a birth, it usually takes me a while to settle down, let my mind relax.”

  Quietly, they attempted to work their way down the creaky front stairs as wood groaned beneath each of their steps.

  Reno leaned in to Aili, one big hand settling around her shoulders and the other sweeping behind her knees. Smoothly, he lifted her into his arms.

  “Wha…!”

  “Shhh. It’s quieter this way.” Reno stayed next to the wall as he went down the stairs. At the bottom, he hesitated a long moment before releasing her.

  Aili didn’t move away, but stayed next to him. “You can warn me next time. That was a dangerous move on the stairs. You need to know I’m not a risk taker.”

  A big grin shot onto his face. Danger? Really? “Uh, sorry. I don’t consider it dangerous to pick you up on the stairs. Not in my world. I did it so we could have some privacy. Take our stroll without someone coming to snoop about all the noise.”

  “Fair enough. But, warn me next time.”

  “Cool.”

  When she linked her fingers with his, he almost let out a, Hell! Yeah! Handholding wasn’t something he ever did with a female.

  It felt so right though.

  He marveled at Aili’s soft hands, skin like velvet, no calluses and long fingers wrapping his.

  It turned out to be a tour of the house that took almost an hour. Finally, they settled into the great room, nestled on either end of a long couch.

  No
t ideal as far as Reno was concerned, but he’d give her space. For now. “So, what’s next?”

  “I’ll keep six on D & D for the next week or two. As healthy as they are, they should be good after that.”

  “Where’s home for you?”

  “Edinburgh. But, the McFeerson Clan seat is in Aberfoyle, the Ben Lomond area. You live here?”

  “Yeah. Not much I can share.”

  “I know you’re part of Jericho’s team. His Second–in–Command.”

  “Uh, huh.”

  Silence enveloped them as they stared at one another, studying, forming opinions, wanting to ask so many questions. It wasn’t awkward nor was there any pressure between them to do or be anything. It was a quiet, universal dance as their energies swarmed and meshed together, then drew apart and the aura in the room became a soft, multicolored glow.

  Neither noticed, too intent on each other and not wanting to tear their eyes away.

  Aili liked what she saw. Blonde hair down to his shoulders and cut in layers created a lion mane effect around his gorgeous face, highlighting his penetrating blue eyes. His expressive lips – that should be kissing her right now – quirked into a grin.

  He did that often. She liked a male with a healthy sense of humor. Could he also laugh at himself? Now that would be too good to be true.

  His gorgeous body – absolutely lickable from one end to the other – might be hard to resist. Hard muscles played along both arms and wide shoulders. The t–shirt he wore hid everything else, but as a single female, Aili could imagine what was underneath all on her own.

  Still a virgin, she’d had some sexual experiences and was consummate with her friend – Mr. Vibrator aka Mr. V. Although she’d never had the full of him, he was still a lot of fun and it kept her virginity intact.

  Not a virgin by her own choice, but as a McFeerson, it was expected and she would never shame her family. Besides, they’d disown her and kill the male who took her virginity if he didn’t agree to mate immediately.

  Any males she’d dated were always scared off because to her family dating meant mating. Which meant any male took off with a vengeance – away from her.