Kade’s annoyed tone suggested he didn’t like the constant female attention either. Honestly, if she had men interested in her only for what they could gain by being with her, she’d be irritated too.
“And that’s what the single shifters ultimately want. Immortality?”
He shook his head. “Not all. Many are content with their fate. They live several centuries, die, and are then reborn to do it over again. For those who screw up the first time around, the promise of another try isn’t so bad. I wouldn’t mind a do-over.”
“A do-over?” She smiled. “I think I like you Kade.”
Kade squeezed her hand. “And I like you, Jazz.” He released her. “I’m going to go sit on the porch. I think I’ve watched this movie five times already. Besides, Josh is right. Somebody should be outside until Zach gets here. You’re safe with Mira. Devin might be protective of her, but she’s more vicious than many males I know.”
Josh jumped from the couch as Kade reached the front door. “Wait for me.”
Kade peered over his shoulder. “You’re coming too?”
“Yeah, unless it’s not safe for me sitting mere feet from the Alexander pride leader.”
Kade flung the door open. “Let’s go.”
She grinned at Josh’s eagerness to escape the musical torture session. Josh might love her boys, but he’d never been a big fan of television or cute kid shows. It’d be fun watching him adjust to living with Megan.
Jazz made her way back to the couch, but Seth hopped from his spot on the floor and headed toward the kitchen.
“Hey, kiddo, where you going?”
“Need a soda,” he called out.
Her heart skipped a beat. She ran after him and grabbed his arm before he opened the fridge door.
“You know the rules, Seth. If you’re not in your room, you stay with an adult.”
He groaned and rolled his eyes. “But Mom, I’m only getting a soda.”
She swept her arm dramatically to encompass the room. “And where is the adult in here to watch you?”
He dropped his gaze. “I’m sorry.”
She gave him a quick hug. “I know this is hard. We only have to do this a little while longer. Just until the bad guy is caught.”
He glanced at her through strands of brown hair that had fallen over one eye. “I’m tired of being in the house. I want to go outside and play.”
She hated keeping them cooped up too. Kids needed to run, to burn off energy. “I know. Soon. Okay?”
“Okay, Mom.”
She ruffled his hair, then opened the fridge. “Orange or cola?”
He didn’t answer.
“Seth?”
He stood at the patio door with his hands cupped to the glass.
“What do you see?”
Seth slid the door open and stepped onto the deck without responding. Her throat squeezed tight. She ran after him. Mist was falling. She slid across the wet boards but made it down the steps and grabbed him.
“Seth, where do you think you’re going?” She hated raising her voice but fear drove her temper. Instead of waiting for an answer, she tugged him to the steps. “Back inside, young man. It’s too dangerous out here.”
Seth pointed with a trembling hand. “Peggy Sue.”
Jazz looked in the direction he indicated. Peggy Sue, who was supposed to be with another neighbor, was limping toward them through the woods. The older dog stumbled, and Jazz gasped.
“Peggy Sue.” Seth wiggled out of her arms and took off.
“Seth, no!”
She followed and slipped on the wet leaves. Her knees hit the ground. Something sharp pressed into her skin. She yelped. Jazz pushed to her feet. Pain radiated through her leg. She ignored it and ran forward, following Seth into the shaded area but skidded to a stop after only a few feet.
Jon held Seth flush to his chest with a hand wrapped around Seth’s neck. Seth’s wide-eyed gaze was locked on to her, while Jon’s leering one perused her body.
She curled her fingers, wishing she could unleash claws. She wanted to rip Jon’s neck out for daring to put his hands on Seth.
“Hey there, sweet thing. I’ve been waiting for my chance to get you alone.”
“Let him go,” she ordered.
Jon tightened his grip on Seth’s throat, and Seth whimpered.
Jazz stepped forward. “Don’t do it, Jon. It’s me you want, not the boy.”
Snarls came from behind her. She risked a quick peek and found an enraged lion crouched, huge fangs bared. Kade, she assumed, but it didn’t matter which shifter stood behind her. He was one of the good guys. A wolf approached behind Jon. She’d never felt so relieved in her life to be surrounded by predators.
“See? Did you really think we’d be without protection? Let the child go, and you can have me.”
“No. He’s my brat. I’ll do anything I want with the kid, including selling his ass.” Jon gave Seth a little shake. “Or kill him. That’ll anger his mom good. She’ll regret leaving me then.”
That was what this was about? He wanted to punish Nina for escaping?
Rafe, where are you? I don’t know how to stop Jon. Her hands shook, and her eyes burned. She was going to fail her son.
“Trust your instincts.” Nina’s words repeated in Jazz’s head.
Yes, she’d do that, but it wasn’t her gut feelings she was going to put her faith in. It was Rafe’s. He’d save them. She had to believe that. He just needed time to get here.
“You came looking for Nina, is that it?” Jazz asked to keep Jon talking.
“No. Seeing these little shits at the old human’s place was an unexpected find. Maybe the goddesses haven’t forsaken me. Now I can get my female back, along with the girl.”
“What girl? Megan?”
Jon shook his head. “Molly.”
But he hadn’t known how to find her. That was why he didn’t go after Megan following the fire and why he’d strung Cindy along. Jon had wanted information. Jazz’s thoughts felt right. Why else play games with them?
“Why Molly?”
“She’s our only success. The doctors want to study
