“I believe it would be best if you and Dakota spent some time together, while Char and I pass out somewhere else,” Riff announced, pulling me from my inner musings. When alarm coiled through my soul, he chuckled and tiredly kissed my forehead. “Sweetheart, you need some time with the family you never knew you had. Plus, if you think Char or I could take you from Dakota now that he knows you’re his cousin… Well, I’m honored you think we’re strong enough to take him on when he’s protective, but hell hath no fury like that boy when it comes to his family. I almost feel sorry for Marcus. Almost. Hah. Kyler’s in for a rude awakening. Damn, he forced Dakota to stare at you in pain, you who looked identical to Jax, and it hurt him. Kyler knew and didn’t care. But now that Dakota knows you’re his cousin? Marissa may be the enforcer, but Dakota could be a beta if he desired.” Riff looked pleased, and my cheeks heated while I dropped my gaze. Hopefully, Dakota wouldn’t get himself hurt because of me. I wouldn’t forgive myself.
Chuckling, Riff gave me a two-finger salute before backing out of the master bedroom, a wicked grin curling his lips. He left the bag in his hand just inside the door, waggling his eyebrows, then he walked off, whistling a cheerful tune. Before I could protest, Dakota hugged me from behind, his breath blowing on my ear before he murmured, “come. Bedtime cousin.” When I looked into his eyes after he released me, I expected to see the turmoil that nearly ripped him to pieces. Instead, there was an odd calmness to the boy I shared a love of drawing with. I tried to understand where the chaos went while he gently led me to the master bathroom, handing me the bag Riff left behind.
Swallowing nervously, I stared at the closed door for a moment, then did my nightly ritual. By the time I returned, Dakota sat on the edge of the bed in a gray tank and a pair of black shorts. I tugged at the hem of my t-shirt, wary of the cousin I never knew I had. Dakota smiled so sweetly I found the courage to make my way to the enormous bed in the middle of the room. I suspect werewolves expect to sleep in every bed as a wolf.
I feared my awkwardness would send the werewolf running away. I mean, was it all right to share a bed with your cousin? Or was that taboo? What did you do with your cousins? Fight? Face the world together? Was this a colossal joke where I was the punchline? With each thought, my anxiety rose until Dakota chuckled under his breath, tapped my forehead, and ordered, “stop mulling. You are your worst enemy, Angel Draven. Now, let’s get some sleep so I can enjoy Kyler’s shock when I kick his ass tomorrow.”
A smile tugged at my lips, and I found myself pulled into a hug before Dakota grinned and flopped onto the mattress. He brought me with him and looked pleased with himself. “Jax and I slept like this all the time. If he and I could do it, then anybody who wants to protest can suck it,” Dakota murmured with a yawn. By the time I thought of a response, Dakota was a little boy, he was already asleep. Loathe to wake the exhausted teenager, I sighed, and snuggled a little closer before closing my eyes. I had enough brainpower left to remember to think of what time I wanted to wake up, but then I was gone.
In the morning, Dakota was super excited, bouncing off the walls, and I smiled halfheartedly. I feared the reactions my return would spur, but couldn’t fathom dampening Dakota’s excitement. I was happy to note my hesitance didn’t affect him.
“Dakota is over the moon,” Char chuckled, leaning against the doorjamb. I spun around to face him in shock, and he laughed under his breath. “Short of you disappearing, there’s very little that will bring that boy down from cloud nine. Jax was Dakota’s best friend and his confidant. Alas, Jax didn’t tell Dakota everything he got up to, or we would have known of you ages ago. Still, Dakota has a cousin again, two actually, and can do the thing that has him so excited.”
Tilting my head at his intentional vagueness, I eyed the older werewolf warily. “Omegas are known for their distaste about protecting themselves. So, if one has, say, I don’t know, a cousin, that person can challenge any who attempt to hurt them. Dakota is your protector now, and no one can deny his right. Other than you. However, you must tell him to his face while looking him in the eye, and Dakota’s superb at looking like a kicked puppy when he wants something.” A slight smile tugged at my lips, and I sighed before shaking my head. I didn’t even need to look at Dakota to know he was pleased with himself, and a soft chuckle escaped my throat. Sadly, I believe that only encouraged him. Still, knowing it made him happy, I didn’t have it in me to protest. Much.
“Don’t go causing trouble or getting yourself hurt because of me,” I whispered, unable to say the words any louder. I wanted to but didn’t know how to ask someone to not show they cared. I didn’t want Dakota hurt, and I didn’t deserve his protection, but I wanted it. That made me selfish and horrible, but,
