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I am surprised to find myself back at Bessie’s Tavern.
Melvina greets us, though she was not surprised by our arrival. When I see Cal, Perry and Lorien talking with Mark and Brae, I realize they must have made the arrangement.
“Thank you, Miss Melvina for putting us up for the night and for the barrier,” Mark says as we all enter the foyer. “We are not sure what to make of these new vampires yet.”
“Well, all thanks go to the Bossier’s for giving you a place to rest yourselves,” Melvina replies as she points to Bessie and Cal at the top of the staircase. It’s the first time I’ve seen Bessie and although we both share smiles, there is still an awkwardness between us. “You all grab yourselves something to eat and make yourselves comfortable. Ms. Damina, honey, your suite is still there for you when you’re ready.” Melvina gives us all a big wave while holding one hand to her hips as she makes her way toward the elevators.
“Damina, baby, do you want something to eat?” Jackson asks as he searches my face with worry. “You know what, it’s okay. I’ll just have Alana bring something up to your suite when you’re ready.” Jackson says before giving me an opportunity to respond.
Jackson turns quickly and calls for Alana and gives her instructions as he points to a few things in the pastry bar and other menu items. As the two talk, I gaze around the filled Tavern and notice its swarming with nothing but wolves and a few Altrinions like myself, the twins and Alana who is a hybrid.
Scanning the dining area, I look for my aunt and I find her seated alone in a booth and rush across the room but stop short when I see Dranoel bust into the Tavern, racing to her side. He instantly pulls her into his embrace, and she breaks down, sobbing on his shoulder.
“She’s gonna be okay, Damina,” I hear Brae’s voice softly say as she cups her hands in mine. The new warmth I feel from Brae’s touch is both comforting and strange. “And don’t worry, we’ll figure out some way to get through to your cousin. She’s just blinded by daddy-fog. Once Dacari sees him for who he truly is, she’ll come running back.” Brae pulls me in for a tight hug and I linger in her grip, thankful for her words of comfort.
“Thank you, Brae,” I say, smiling at the lovely young woman staring back at me. There is a light radiating through her I’ve never seen before as she smiles back at me.
“Well, it’s not quite the honeymoon suite I had hoped for us, but I think it will suffice for tonight,” Mark says coming from behind me. Now I know why her smile was so bright. He taps my shoulder, smiling as he walks past me and pulls Brae to his side.
“Good, I think we all need the rest,” Jackson adds as he comes near. “Mark, it looks like you have everyone in place.”
“Yes, my lord. Everyone has their orders. Shifts are set. And Miss Melvina has this place so guarded with a barrier no vampire will get through. Oh, and Vonnie came back with Lux and Dranoel from taking the others to Trieu’s place, so she’s added a barrier of protection as well. We should be safe for tonight. Tomorrow we’ll set out on patrol.” Mark answers dutifully.
“Very good, then,” Jackson says.
“Where is Gregory, my lord? I haven’t seen him,” Mark questions.
“He decided to keep watch not far from the mansion with Brian. With Brian being divided with keeping an eye on Jerrica with Charlotte, he um—volunteered to keeping Dacari in his sights,” Jackson mutters with his hand over his mouth as if I couldn’t hear him as he whispers to Mark. He looks over at me and smiles, knowing I’m listening.
“I see,” Mark replies with a wink at me. “Why don’t you get Damina upstairs, my lord. I’ll take one last look around and then we’ll retreat for the night.”
“You’re a good man, Mark—I mean Lord Helsing,” Jackson commends as he gives Mark a firm handshake.
In no time, Jackson has me back in my suite. He makes his first priority, checking the latches on the terrace doors and closing the curtains and blinds so tight I can’t see the light from the courtyard. He gives a cursory check in the bathroom, closet and even under the bed, laughing over his shoulder as he does.
“No, boogeymen,” he chuckles as he sweeps the dust from his knees as he rises from the floor.
“Thanks, Jack,” I quietly reply.
“Of course, baby. Melvina said you still had some clothes here so; I’ll go so you can get some rest. My room is just on the other side of the wall. Knock on it—say my name and I’ll be right here by your side.”
“Jackson,” I mumble as tears well in the corners of my eyes.
“Yes, baby?” He says with his hand on the doorknob.
“I’m saying your name.” Looking up at Jackson, tears rush down my face and he quickly wraps his arms around me, holding me tight.
“I’ve got you, baby. I’ve got you.”
“How did we get here, Jackson? This wasn’t supposed to be our life!”
“I guess I should own my part in it,” Jackson answers as he wipes my tears with his hand.
“Jack, none of this is your fault! This is all Decaux. And Dacari. And—”
“And me.” Jackson says, stepping back from me. He keeps our hands together as he lowers me to my seat at the end of the bed. “All of this could just as easily be laid at my feet! All of it!”
“Jackson, how could you say that?”
“Because I had five years to tell you the truth, Damina! Five years! Had I told you, I have no doubt things would’ve worked out differently. You wouldn’t be in New Orleans. Without you gone, Dacari would have never filled that void with Allyson, who got her to Cade and Decaux in the first place. So yeah—this is all my fault!”
“Jackson, please don’t say that! You were only doing what you thought was right. I know that now.”
“But the bottom line is it was me. I lied to you. I co-authored your pain. I broke your heart!”
While there is truth in Jackson’s words, the sincerity of his heart speaks louder. He loves me, that I know.
“Then unbreak it!” The phrase rolls off my tongue seemingly without my permission, but they accurately reflect my heart.
“What?” Jackson’s eyes are tender yet broken as he stares back into mine.
“Unbreak it, Jackson. I know now you’re the only one who can. Only you can replace these tears and bring joy back to my smile. Unbreak it, Jackson! Undo this pain, Jack! Only you can!”
Before I can protest further, Jackson crushes his mouth to mine and electricity rivets through my body like a lightning bolt. Lustful static energy clings to my body as he holds my face to his, keeping our lips locked as one. The sweet and spicy taste of his tongue overpowers my senses as he ravishes my mouth with the sweetness of his kiss.
Slowly, Jackson kisses the ravine of my neck as he inhales my scent wholly, grunting willfully with each touch. Gripping my hand through his long mane, I twirl my fingers through his wavy brunette coils, as I delight in the pleasure of our passion.
Sweet memories of our time on the couch at the eve of our wedding score through my mind and my heart races with delight. The fervor I felt that afternoon dwindles in comparison to the indescribable abandon I feel now.
“Turn around,” Jackson whispers softly in my ear.
“What are you doing, baby?” I say over my shoulder as he begins unzipping my gown.
“What I should have done on our wedding eve—unbreaking it, as you say,” Jackson moans as he kisses my shoulders while pushing the gown to the floor. Turning me back to him, his face flashes with desire as I stand before him now with nothing but my black thong.
Flexing his muscles and bellowing a loud roar, his clothes combust from his body in the blink of my eye. I suppose its something he’s used to doing before he shifts. But that growl was unlike any other I’ve heard from him. It was the sexiest thing I’ve ever heard come from him. The primal craving in his gaze as he stares at me knocks my knees together as I buckle under his enchanting influence.
Everything about Jackson Nash as he stands bare before me is—just everything. He is perfect.
He lifts me up, tossing my legs around his waist, holding me just above his arousal, and he locks our mouths together once more. Pulling the covers back while keeping a tight hold on me, Jackson lays me down on the soft duvet.
Lowering his head between my legs, he uses his teeth and swiftly rips the remaining fabric from my hips, tossing it over his shoulders.
“I love you, Damina,” Jackson says sweetly after kissing the top of my forehead.
“I love you too,” I reply, wrapping my arms around his slender waist, grazing my hand along the muscles outlining his back.
“Are you ready? I’ve waited forever to make you mine. Completely.” Jackson’s gaze is full of need as he awaits my reply. Looking at him, desire sweeps over me like I’ve never felt before. The perfectness of his body calls to me and the way my body fits perfectly under him, I have no doubt we are a perfect fit.
In every way.
Even more than I thought possible, I want him. I want him beside me. Near me. Inside me.
He’s the only man capable of unbreaking my heart and breaking through my precious place as only he can.
That other world was never for me. I know that now. As I told Allyson years ago, Jackson was my world and I am his. I want him to explore every part of my galaxy until the stars align and the retrograde of Mercury halts its rotation.
“All I want is you, Jackson. You’re all I need,” I say, pulling him closer, planting a soft kiss on his delicious lips.
With that kiss, Jackson Nash claims the remaining part of me that was always meant for him. As he does, a light as bright as the sun illumines through me and the entirety of our suite—and perhaps the Tavern. Gazing into his eyes as we become one, I see his wolf staring at me through his eyes. Our connection is now stronger than I thought possible as he transfers the Altrinion orb of light given by my father.
Crying out my name with the cadence of his rhythmic motion, I am overcome with wondrous delight. As the ancient patois of the Order of Altrinion hums around us, Jackson’s declaration of love resounds through me with each call of my name.
The brilliance of our lovemaking shines like the brightest star and the warmth of his embrace comforts me so much I wish I could click my heels three times, because indeed I am finally home.