The Child

Chapter 16

Kane

I quickly compose myself and shifted right in front of Joey and his mate. I take a better look at the beauty before me. Her platinum blond hair and light blue eyes are bewitching my senses. She starts blushing deeply, then I realize I am standing naked in front of them. I try to keep a stoic face, but I let a small smirk slip through. I know she is looking at me and I feel a twinge of jealousy when Joey pulls her closer to him. I barely register that Joey said something until Josh walks up and hands me a pair of shorts which I quickly put on. I take a deep breath to get myself under control. I chuckle as I walk closer, pretending like I heard the exchange between Joey and Josh. As if on cue, I hear a big dog going berserk in the cabin.

“This must be your beautiful mate. I am Jasper Kane, but everyone just calls me Kane since I can’t stand my first name.” I reach my hand out desperately wanting some kind of contact with her.

“I’m Marie. Can you give me one second to get my dog. I am scared he is going to wake Ollie with all his barking,” she says as she turns and walks swiftly towards the front door. Marie… such a beautiful name. Then it dawns on me… who is Ollie? I raise an eyebrow to Joey, he just shrugs in response. Joey isn’t the most talkative creature. Most dragon shifters are observers.

I hear the front door open, expecting a cute dog to come down the steps. She looks like the type to have a poodle or something girly. Man, was I wrong! A massive beast comes bounding out the door, then digs his sharp claws into the ground, stopping abruptly in front of me. He lets out a deep primal growl. He looks to be 300 pounds with fangs dripping with drool. He could easily take down one of us.

Stay on alert guys, but don’t make a move. I don’t want to have to fight this thing. I mind link my men. I can feel them get in a fighting stance. They are ready to fight if need be.

Marie tries to calm the beast down, but he refused to listen to her. It wasn’t until Joey let his commanding aura out did the beast back down. He slowly walks over Joey and submits to the dragon. I saw my Beta, Gamma, and warriors submit to the dragon, as well. Zeus tried really hard to not submit to Joey, but it became too painful. Before I know it, I am showing my neck to respect Joey.

The beast rolls back over, still whimpering at Joey’s feet. He slowly shrinks in size and turns into a handsome German Shepherd. Now that he is subdued I carefully walk up to him, bending down to his level. I reach my hand out which he gently licks.

I have never seen a dog like this. Intimidating as hell. I really thought he was going to attack me. Marie takes time to explain Brutus is not a German Shepherd, but a King Shepherd. I’ll have to do some research on the species. It definitely peeked my interest.

“Now that the excitement is over, let’s start with introductions,” I say, as my men line up by rank. Before I can get another word out, a babies cries fill the air.

Marie turns, quickly into the cabin. I look at Joey, very confused. He just motions me to follow him, then walks up the stair through the front door.

Josh, Tobias. Come with me. Everyone else stand guard, make sure the property is secure.

Yes, Alpha. They all acknowledge my command. I watch everyone, except my Beta and Gamma, turn back into their wolves, beginning their rounds.

Josh, Tobias, and I walk into the cabin. Joey is on the couch, and motions for us to join him. Brutus is laying by his feet, still trying to atone for his behavior. I see Marie walk out of a door next to the kitchen. In her arms is a platinum blond toddler rubbing his eyes. My mouth falls open. She has a child!

She walks up to the dragon and hands him the small child, who snuggles into Joey’s massive chest.

“I think Ollie had a nightmare,” she explains as she looks lovely at the toddler.

“This is Oliver, Marie’s son. He is the actual reason you are here. I need you to help protect him,” Joey says as he runs his hand through the toddlers hair, causing him to snuggle closer into Joey. Marie goes to the kitchen, coming back with a sippy cup full of milk. She hands it to Ollie who yanks it out of her hand greedily.

“Can someone please tell me what’s going on. I am f*****g confused as hell right now.”

“Get comfortable, this is a long story,” Joey says as he starts to explain the situation. He talks about Damion, who is hell bent on destroying the world. He also explains the prophecy and why we need to protect Ollie. The toddler finally fell back asleep in the dragon’s arms. I look at him with sympathy.

“That sheds some light on what is going on. We would be happy to help. Joey, I owe a lot to you so I have no problem with lending my warriors. Now that we understand, let me introduce my second and third in command. This is Josh, my Beta and right hand man. And Tobias is my Gamma, my third and head warrior. They are both trust worthy and will put their lives down to keep Ollie safe. Now it’s been a long night. I need to get my men taken care of. Let’s all get some rest and regroup in the morning.”

I stand up and start walking to the door with my men. When I hear her magical voice.

“Thank you so much Alpha Kane, it really means a lot to me you are willing to help out,” she looks at me with gratitude.

“Don’t mention it. I will see you in the morning,. Good night guys.” I slowly shut the front door, taking one last peek at Joey’s mate.

I call my men back and get shifts taken care of. Tobias, Kyle, Shawn, Kevin, Peter, and Franklin will be taking the night shift. Josh, Steven, Michael, Tony, and myself will be taking the day shift. I want to get a couple more warriors at night. Demons have a nasty habit of attacking at night. Humans and shifters are at their weakest at night, while demons and creatures of the night are at their strongest.

“You guys have a good night. Contact me if anything happens. We will see you in the morning. The rest of you, fall out!” I shift into Zeus, quickly returning to the pack house. Once I turn back into myself, I hear Zeus whimpering in the back of my mind.

What’s wrong, Zeus?

I am not sure. Something feels off. I also keep seeing the angel in my head.

Angel? Marie?

You didn’t notice? She is a literal angel. Wings and all. I felt safe and warm in her presence. I am confused because she feels like mate, but isn’t.

It’s ok, Zeus. We will be on patrol tomorrow, we will be near her soon. Let’s get some rest.

Ok Jasper. Good night.

Zeus curls up in the back of my mind and goes to sleep.

I close my eyes and see Marie’s perfect face right before the darkness takes over.