Jasmine buried her face into the crook of Rafe’s neck and choked back a cry. He held her tighter and met Kade’s gaze. “It was Jon, wasn’t it?”
“Yes. Evan was hurt. Bad. He couldn’t take Jon down. Evan’s angry about it too. He couldn’t leave the human, though.”
“Evan did the right thing,” Devin said.
“I know that.” Kade sighed. “So does he. It doesn’t make him feel better, especially since he had to involve the humans.”
Rafe cursed. “We need to call Shifter Affairs. We’re going to have to control this before it spirals into something worse.”
“It’s contained. Evan made up a story about there being a cougar, and how he scared it off. The humans believed him. The cop who’d responded said there’d been quite a few sightings of something big moving through the woods at night.” Kade ran a hand over his skull. “Actually, the human seemed eager to go on a hunt for it.”
“Just great.” That was all they needed. Have one of Rafe’s pride members get shot by some overeager human hunter while they were here to protect Rafe’s new family.
“It’s not the first time we’ve had to tell an impromptu story to protect our kind. It won’t be the last. We’ll deal with it.”
“We have no choice but to deal with it. Jon can’t be allowed to get away with his crimes.” Rafe scanned the woods. “We need to search for him, but I doubt he’s still here. That dog was left as a warning.”
“Of what?” Jasmine asked.
“That he can get close to us,” Mira said. “It’s a psychological move. He could’ve shot you while you were out on the deck, just as he did Evan, but Jon didn’t. He wants more than your death.”
Of course. Killing Jasmine would hurt Rafe, but Jon wouldn’t benefit personally from it. And if Jon had wanted to hurt Rafe or the Alexander pride, more than he already had, Jon could’ve done so over the century since he’d killed Rafe’s father.
Rafe met Kade’s gaze. “Jon wants the kids.”
“No.” Kade shook his head. “Jon wants the same privileges Royals have. He told you that.”
Immortality.
“And there are some who believe scientists are close to extending a Royal’s gifts to the single shifters,” Devin added.
Yes, Rafe had heard of the stories from more people than Jon. That was why the medical facilities that experimented on shifters continued to pop up across the country despite the efforts of the shifters and the human government to eliminate them. There were some people who wanted to live forever and would go after that desire at the cost of the Royals. Rafe couldn’t see the allure of immortality, not unless you had a true mate to share the endless years with.
“Scientists?” Jasmine tipped her head to look into Rafe’s face.
He wanted to shield her from the ugliness of his life and the threats to them, but she needed to understand just how much some people resented the Royals. Once Rafe mated her, she’d be just as despised, maybe more. There’d be other shifter women asking—why her, why not me?
He glanced at Kade. “Ask Xander to search the woods for Jon. I need to explain some things to Jasmine.”
“Already done. We’ll move into the house and help Zach keep an eye on the kids.”
“Wait.” The mention of Zach reminded Rafe of his unsuccessful trip into Virginia. “Zach needs to call Ella. We need her help. I got nowhere with my visit this morning.”
“He won’t like it, but I’ll make it an order.”
“Good.” It might be the push Zach needed too. He had to spend time with his female if he expected to figure out if it was the need to protect her that made him claim her as his beloved human or if the reason was the same one that drove Rafe to be with Jasmine—that Ella was Zach’s true mate.
“Rafe.” Jasmine rested her hands on his chest. “I need to talk to you.”
“Okay, but this isn’t the best place for it. Just hang on a minute until we’re alone.”
Rafe tucked Jasmine into his side and headed toward the garage. They’d need privacy for the details he’d deliver. He didn’t want his brothers to see Rafe begging her to trust him. He would too. Hell, he’d get down on his knees. As long as he got Jasmine’s willingness to put her life in his hands, he’d do anything.
The only problem was—he didn’t expect to get it. He had a feeling she wouldn’t be too happy with him, especially when she learned the details about what loving him meant.
Chapter 32
Rafe carried Jasmine into the garage and climbed the stairs to the loft. The nook overlooking Jasmine’s work area had been transformed overnight. He’d asked Kade to bring some blankets up here, but his brother had really outdone himself.
Thick quilts were spread on the floor and tapestries were strung up around the makeshift bed. From the exposed beams in the ceiling, camp lanterns were hung. A basket in the corner held what smelled like potpourri—a tad strong for his taste but Jasmine would like it—and massage oils. He gave the little spot one last glance and shook his head.
It was corny, borderline cheesy, but the fact that Kade had decorated the spot for Rafe and Jasmine meant more than any words of acceptance Kade could have given.
“This is beautiful.” She turned her gray eyes, puffy and red from crying, on to him. “Did you do this for me?”
“I’d like to say yes, but I can’t. Kade fixed this spot for us.”
“I didn’t think he liked me.”
He knelt with Jasmine still cradled against his chest. “Why would you say that?”
“He always has a scowl on his face when he looks at me.”
He laid her down and stretched out next to her. “Kade was born first, and he always complains that
