Taken (Sinful Series - book 1)
Chapter 48 - Haunted

Violet

Violet stretched in bed, replaceing Landon on his side watching her.

“How long have you been up?”

“Since I’ve met you,” Landon’s voice was confident leaving no doubt it was how he truly felt. Violet did not know if she should kiss him or take offense. Her indecision resulted in her gaping like a fish. A small smile crept on his face at her silence, his fingers gently closing her mouth, his forefinger pressing against her lips. “Oh, the things you make me want to do.”

Violet’s hand smacked his chest, but soon discovered she was fighting her own desire. Landon had game, much more than she had ever imagined. It drew her into him like a bear to honey. She loved his attention, just as he loved voicing his inappropriate thoughts.

“There’s nothing inappropriate in telling you the truth,” Landon replied, his megawatt smile confessing he had been listening to her thoughts. Violet sighed in defeat. Fighting him was an impossible battle.

“I love waking up with you by my side,” Landon’s smooth talk gave her butterflies in her belly. This level of intimacy and sex-appeal happened only in movies, and here she was calling him her mate.

There was only so much words could express. Violet found it impossible to speak as the need to seal those lips of his with hers was stronger than ever. She meant to give him a peck but Landon wanted none of that. He deepened the kiss, his tongue showing her the truth to his words. Violet returned the kiss with equal passion, breaking it only to take a much-needed breath.

“I love you,” Violet whispered only for Landon to smile.

“I love you more,” Landon replied, winking at her.

“Not possible,” Violet argued, sticking her tongue at him.

“The things you do to me,” Landon groaned. His eyes dropped to her chest, then slowly returned to her face, “We’d have to work on expanding your imagination.”

“I think we covered everything last night,” Violet teased him referencing his dedication in surpassing the sinful delights he had helped her experience.

“It was only the beginning,” Landon’s chest puffed up, his eyes lighting up with joy.

“The scary thing is, I believe you,” Violet told him, snuggling closer to him.

“As you should,” Landon replied, his hand cupping her butt.

Violet moved her leg over his hip. Landon smiled at the invitation, pressing into her body. While their mating from the previous night was a wild, vigorous exercise, this was relaxing. Their movements were short and gentle as they took time to shower each other’s bodies with attention under the morning light. The gratification of stealing kisses and nibbles soon resulted in their spent bodies covered with silky hot moisture.

“I want to wake up every morning like this,” Violet whispered.

“It could be arranged,” Landon told her, tracing patterns over her back.

Violet closed her eyes enjoying their closeness as none of them wanted this moment to end.

“What are your plans for today?” Landon broke the silence between them.

“Meet my aunt, I guess. Maybe take Conner out for breakfast if she proves to be annoying,” Violet laid out her plan, making Landon chuckle. “I also need to go to Velvet.”

“I am sure Garett will understand you needed some personal days,” Landon continued.

“I have two client appointments this afternoon,” Violet explained, a dreadful silence falling between them. “Lan, are you jealous?”

“I know you are mine,” Landon shrugged. “Word would get around that you are the Howler’s Beta female. While I am sure some of your regulars will mind your new station and choose not to see you, others will seek you out based on your connection. It’s just how it is. My concern is keeping you safe, so you can come home to me.”

“You never cease to amaze me,” Violet smiled. “You make me feel precious enough to be fuzzed over. It’s cute. Especially when you know my job is not the dangerous one. Yours is.”

“Your safety is my priority,” Landon replied. “I don’t want to be overprotective, but with your new status, things will change. I’d see if Vincent can do me a solid and accompany you.”

“I thought you weren’t friends.”

“We don’t need to be friends, for me to know he would be a good bodyguard for you. At least until I am confident in the abilities of an Enforcer or two to keep you company on your day-to-day runs,” Landon replied. Violet nodded her agreement.

Landon

The hardest thing he had done in a long time was getting up and actually starting his day. A part of him wanted to spend the morning with Violet. He didn’t care if he got to watch her, to listen to her sweet voice or just to be in the same room as her. It was his favorite pass-time. However, duty called in the form of a mindlink message from Jacob. The Alpha inquired about the status of the operation with Pack Order, and Landon had to leave Violet to get ready for her meeting with Valencia. For their sake, Landon hoped Violet’s extended family behaved. It would be a shame to put Conner down before their joint operation, but if he had to, he would.

Landon rushed out of Violet’s room clean shaven and ready to start his first day as a Beta. He was excited about he wouldn’t ever have to worry about replaceing tasks. The Howlers promised to keep him busy.

Vincent was just finishing his coffee when Landon entered the Pack House kitchen.

“Morning,” Landon greeted catching the surprise written all over Vincent’s face when Landon casually started fixing a coffee for himself.

“Good morning,” Vincent replied skeptically looking over to Landon.

“Relax, I am not going to knock you out,” Landon tried to lighten the mood. “I’m sorry about it.”

Vincent nodded, accepting his apology but his posture did not become any less vigilant. Landon smiled. Landon liked Vincent for exactly this reason. He was not easily fooled.

“I hope there are no bad feelings,” Landon continued while sweetening his coffee. “I actually wanted to talk to you about a job opportunity.”

“Valencia won’t hurt Violet, and Conner is going to make sure no one hurts them,” Vincent replied, misinterpreting Landon’s hesitation for the upcoming meeting between the two.

“I hope so for his sake,” Landon replied. “I wanted to ask you to watch over Violet this afternoon. I need to make arrangements for her personal detail and she has to go to Velvet.”

“Your trust in me,” Vincent replied making a pause for emphasis, “is rather unexpected. What prompted such a change of heart?”

“Listen, I never had anything against you. The other day,” Landon explained, searching for a suitable way to explain why the Cavino’s orgy was even on his agenda, “I am still new to this mating thing. I am afraid I overreacted, and you were caught in the wrong place at the wrong time. I apologize. I need someone to watch over Violet. Would you help?”

“You know McCabe is already paying me to make sure she’s protected,” Vincent told him.

“I know,” Landon smiled.

“Then why ask? Is this was some kind of a test?” Vincent quickly made his conclusion.

Landon hadn’t meant it as a test, but if it was, Vincent just aced it.

“I wanted to make sure my mate is looked after even if I am not there. The way to go is to hire a capable Fixer. I appreciate your honesty though,” Landon replied hinting he didn’t know the full extent of the contract McCabe had on Violet. “Are you still interested in being a frozen popsicle in Shadow Waters?”

“Even with your retirement, I'd rather be focused on searching for my mate than my next gig,” Vincent answered his question.

“Ever thought about Pack Order?” Landon asked.

“How did that work out for you?” Vincent asked then continued, “My time is too precious to be wasted on failed causes, so I had to learn from other’s mistakes.”

“I am not sure whether to be flattered you’re actually looking up to me or insulted by what you’re suggesting,” Landon replied with a small smile over his lips.

“A bit of both, I guess,” Vincent cracked a smile.

Vincent might be a lot of things, but push over was certainly not it.

“Fair enough,” Landon agreed. “Where do you think Pack Order failed?”

“Where do you think it succeeded?” Vincent asked. “Maybe you are the only person who used their time with PO in an honorable manner. One person can’t make a change.”

“He can if he is in a position of power,” Landon argued.

“And how long would that take? Nah. I rather risk frostbite in Shadow Waters by the side of a good Alpha than breeze through the laughable 20-week training only to have to look forward to years of service under douche bags trying to mold me into their image,” Vincent replied and just as Landon was about to say something he continued. “Besides, if I fall and I am mated, I want to know my mate will be taken care of by an honorable Alpha than to depend on Pack Order’s handouts or my presumed death benefits. I know firsthand, those funds dry up way before you are buried.”

“When I served, I never really thought mating is in the cards for me,” Landon confessed. “Ignorance is a blessing, in certain cases.”

Vincent laughed, “Did you just agree with me? Darn it, I have no witnesses.”

Landon chuckled, “I like you. Why haven’t we talked before?”

“Because everyone wanted the Beta Fixer, not just a Fixer,” Vincent replied.

“What they see as a privilege, I saw as a burden and worked twice as hard to erase it,” Landon admitted.

“I was envious of you,” Vincent in turn admitted. “You had the bloodline, connections, you got the first pick of jobs, completed tasks far quicker than anyone else. You were the golden boy. I won’t hide I feel better knowing I admired a Fixer who was also a good man.”

“Since we are on a roll with these confessions,” Landon shrugged. “You gotta know your animosity towards me always bothered me. I thought I did you wrong in some way and didn’t know how to reach out.”

“Water under the bridge now,” Vincent replied then joked, “Besides now you have Violet to give you pointers.”

“You like her,” Landon concluded.

“Her story is inspiring. If she can overcome the Fates, anyone can at least try to,” Vincent replied. “On that account alone, should she ever need something, I would be there for her. I already taught manners to one Beta, so don’t make come after you.”

Landon nodded. It was always good to know others wanted to protect your mate. He didn’t miss the veiled threat, which earned Vincent more respect in Landon’s eyes.

“Was that before or after McCabe’s chat?” Landon questioned.

“Before,” Vincent smiled at the recollection.

“Appreciated.”

“Speaking about Alphas, duty calls,” Vincent replied to a message on his phone then rushed out leaving his cup in the sink.

Vincent’s departure meant the McCabes were taking Violet out for breakfast. Anxiety swelled around his heart, but he reminded himself not to be overbearing.

She would be fine.

Or else they’d be dead.

Violet

“Relax,” Conner chuckled from beside Violet as she nervously flattened her dress for the second time in less than a minute. “Please don’t tell me you changed five different outfits like ma’ because the apparently the right outfit will determine your relationship.”

Conner rolled his eyes at the absurdity of it, and Violet bid her lip. It felt good knowing Valencia was as nervous about this meeting as Violet. Violet had only considered three outfits, and decided on a simple summer dress paired with cardigan and flats. Her semi-casual choice of clothing made it possible for her not to have to change before heading over to Velvet.

Violet looked at Conner who was still talking about the impossible conversations he had to endure since his sister mated in Devil Creek.

“Ask me already,” Conner noticed her indecision.

“Have you taken a life?” Violet asked before she changed her mind.

“Yes,” Conner replied. “Rogues mostly. But a life is a life. What you want to ask me is if I would be able to take his.”

“Will you?”

“Gagnon deserves to die for what he did to your folks, you and our family,” Conner answered, anger bubbling from within him. “The only thing stopping me from doing it would be if he ends me first.”

“So no hesitation,” Violet prompted.

“Once the challenge is issued, it is until death,” he explained. “I am prepared.”

“Good. Because I like you and I’d like to keep you for a long, long time,” Violet responded making him chuckle.

“Keep me? Like a puppy?” He teased, laughing with Violet only to cut his laughter short when a small middle-aged woman came through the door. “Would you look at that? Your outfits match.”

Valencia had opted for a dress with a cardigan as well, but paired it with high stilettos, making her outfit more sophisticated.

“Great fashion sense runs in the family,” Valencia responded, then hugged Violet who stood still not sure if she wanted to be hugged. Conner rolled his eyes at her, then gestured Violet to wrap her hands around his mother. Violet awkwardly patted her back still not convinced she liked the gesture of closeness. “It’s so good finally meeting you, Violet. Thank you for being so brave in replaceing your way to us and bringing us Xander along.”

When Valencia let go of her bone-crushing hug, Violet finally had the chance to look at Mrs. McCabe. The dark hair and eyes were thus far their only resemblance. Violet had it hard to believe that such petite and gentle woman could be by Gagnon’s side.

“He wasn’t always the pig you know,” Valencia spoke as if reading her mind. “He was gentle and charming. After I left, I heard things went downhill for him and the pack. I would understand if you blame me for what happened.”

“It’s his shame and disgrace. Not yours. You were not even his Fated for him to spiral so out of control,” Violet replied.

“I am not innocent either. I knowingly took his firstborn away,” Valencia argued.

“He lashed out against our family instead of trying to work things out with you and Conner. He made that choice,” Violet replied.

“He would have used Conner to make me go back to Shadow Waters. It was hard accepting you are still there, but cutting all ties with the pack seemed like the correct choice at the time,” Valencia confessed.

Violet nodded. There was so much they could say about the what-ifs and none of them wanted to go down memory lane.

“I’m starving,” Conner interrupted. “Would you ladies join me for some brunch? I know just the place.”

Landon

When the door opened, Landon’s mouth salivated. He was hungry and it wasn’t for the takeout bag in Violet’s hand. The appetizing woman in front of him did not even know how truly special she was to him.

“Vi,” he greeted immediately standing up from his desk. She made her way around his desk depositing the bag in front of him.

“I thought you would be hungry,” Violet started.

“And you brought me food?” Landon questioned, trapping her body between him and the desk.

“I just had to take some home. The bakery is amazing,” Violet replied oblivious of his real hunger. Landon lifted her up and placed her on his desk, his hands snaking under her dress, leaving no doubt what he was suggesting.

“Lan, what do you think you are doing?” Violet whispered.

“You,” Landon whispered then not so gracefully ducked under her skirt.

Violet’s eyes bulged at his brazen reaction.

“The door is unlocked. Landon,” she whisperyelled at him hoping to reason with him. It was then when his tongue met her core she gulped, trying to keep her composure. His name on her lips came out sounding more like a moan than a reproach.

A chuckle from under her dress was all the reply he gave. His hands pulled her to the edge of the desk, letting her feet hang over his shoulders.

“Be reasonable. Let’s just… Lando-ooo-n.”

The moment the wave of pleasure burst through the dam of her control, she forgot all reasons about why this should not be happening. Landon loved it when she focused on him, his touch, and the sweet pressure building between them.

The door opened and slammed closed startling Violet, causing her thighs to press closed against Landon, in the process pulling him into the core, intensifying her climax. But instead of enjoying her apogee, Violet was stiff in his hands. Landon wanted to bloody murder the intruder.

“Vi, who gives a fuck if someone saw? We’re a mated couple,” Landon mumbled from between her thighs, only for Violet to continue to push his shoulders away. Landon pulled back, face still flushed from their activities to see Violet hopping off his desk and looking towards the door. Landon gritted his teeth the moment his eyes followed the direction she looked at.

“Congrats, Bro,” Aidan’s voice interrupted them. His thicker accent was the only difference between the twins.

No wonder Violet panicked. It was one thing to know he had a twin and a whole other for said twin to show up uninvited in the company of Landon’s mother and Fated. There was no point in letting Aidan know his presence was unwanted. Aidan knew but the smug ass simply did not care.

“What do you want?” Landon coldly replied, casually stuffing Violet’s panties in his desk drawer and moving between her and his twin.

“Is that a way to greet us, little brother, when I’ve spent hours to get here and see you with your lovely mate,” Aidan replied.

“Funny, I don’t remember inviting you,” Landon told him, his eyes shifting to Erika whose face was pale and unsettled, then finally landing on his mother, who for unexplained reasons kept a small smile on her lips.

Violet bumped her forehead against the back of his shoulder, her embarrassment flooding the mating bond, reminding him this was not the way she envisioned meeting any of them. Landon did not have any regrets aside from not fully sating his hunger. This was his office, his home.

“Landon Joseph Wesley,” his mother cautioned Landon as he sized them up. Landon’s defiance of Aidan’s rank was what usually got the twins brawling. This time around, things were different. Landon had his wolf and a new pack to stand beside him.

“LJ,” Violet repeated his initials eyeing Landon, excitement replacing her previous unease. Landon returned his attention on her, trying to figure out what suddenly got her so excited. He didn’t have to wait long when she over the mindlink, “I want to eat LJ Ice-cream off my LJ.”

“It’s a date,” Landon chuckled suddenly craving liking the ice-cream off her delicious curves.

“More like take out,” Violet pointedly told him letting her eyes drop from his face down over his chest, leaving no doubt she as thinking of doing the same.

Their attention suddenly focused on Erika as she ripped the door open. Her anger left a mark on the wall as the handle slammed into the wall.

“You didn’t need this display when we practically caught you mating,” Aidan growled his disgust.

“I can’t keep my hands to myself,” Landon hummed, earning a pat on his chest from Violet. Their interaction earning them a shake of Aidan’s head.

Landon never fully realized how much hurt he had carried after the rejection. Now that he was with Violet, he chose his own path. Her happiness was the only one he cared about. He would not change a thing in their dynamic so that he would be accommodating towards Erika. She was no longer his problem. As harsh as it sounded, it was the truth. They couldn’t expect him to welcome them with open arms, while they had all but cast him out.

Aidan turned to follow his wife only to freeze as his eyes landed on the she-wolf who stormed in Landon’s office.

Violet

It was one thing to see Landon with his twin, and a whole other to witness the tension in their family all because of a she-wolf. She had done a number on both brothers, who could not even look at each other without challenging each other. Now that they were both mated Betas in the eyes of the Law, Violet thought the animosity between them would be buried. It resurfaced only too soon.

Violet recognized the flowery scent seconds before Alyssa stormed through the door of Landon’s office, only to halt unexpectedly as her eyes fell on Aidan. Her face distorted in pure anguish as she saw Aidan’s mating mark. Her eyes shifted to her wolf’s, who looked for Violet.

There it was.

The recognition of the pain Alyssa had knowingly inflicted upon Violet.

“Oh, shit,” Violet gasped as she recognized the source of such emotion.

They were mates.