Chapter 20 - Persephone
Chapter 20 - Persephone
I’m still not sold on this whole guards thing. It seems weird to me, but who am I to argue with the ways
of Bloodmoon? They have their reasons for doing things this way, so whatever. While I read over the
six profiles on the screens, my contemplation was interrupted by Dove.
“Thirty-four missed text messages from The Boys group text. Would you like to respond?” Dove
questioned as the screens rearranged to combine two profiles into one display and brought up a string
of text messages.
I furrowed my brow as I looked at the text message thread. I only really know Kurt of those involved in
the thread. I’ve met Tanner and Collin during the war, but that doesn’t mean I’m overly close to them
like I am with Kurt. And I’ve only met David and Mikali briefly today. But based on what I’ve just read,
these males are as big of gossip queens as André. I arched an eyebrow at Jonathan, who was running
his hand over his face in frustration.
“I am sorry you even had to read that….” He sighed.
“Your friends are gossip queens.” I rolled my eyes. “Dove, reply to the group text,” I commanded, but
the bird didn’t react.
“Um, it only answers my voice commands,” Jonathan explained.
“Well, that’s at least one layer of security.” I shrugged.
I could certainly understand that necessity. Jonathan is the keeper of the knowledge of Bloodmoon,
Silvercloud Industrial, and possibly Kinsley. So if Dove can access any of that data, it would be prudent
to ensure only Jonathan can access it. And while I’m his mate, we have only known that for less than a
day, so he couldn’t have added me to all his possible security protocols. He still hasn’t told me what
scanning me outside added me to.
“Dove, reply to the group chat with a message provided by Persephone Fayte,” Jonathan instructed.
“Replying to The Boys group text. What is your message Persephone Fayte?” Dove’s eyes lit up as it
tilted its head in my direction. So weird and so fucking cool.
“Are you gossip queens STILL talking? - This is Persephone btw. So unless you want graphic details
about his dick get back to your mates and children, dumbasses.” I provided my response.
Jonathan leaned on the workstation laughing, saying something about pea pods.
“Message sent,” Dove announced.
“Are you going to be okay over there?” I asked, poking Jonathan’s side.
I shivered at the spark that shot through me when my finger pressed against his bare skin. I should
avoid skin-to-skin contact if I want to remain focused. I hate that I’m becoming one of those people.
The person I said I’d never be. The person that lets the bond and intense attraction to my mate
interrupt my concentration and ability to do my job. I don’t want to be one of those people. And I know if
I keep touching him, I will want to jump him.
‘Again.’ Sara chuckled.
‘Excuse me?’ I furrowed my brow.
‘Jump him again. Let’s not forget that you literally climbed his dick. You couldn’t even wait to get into
the bunker or get on the ground to fuck him.’ Sara taunted.
‘Go away.’ I grumbled, not needing her to remind me how wanton I behaved.
“Yeah… sorry, I’ll be fine. For years before you came to Bloodmoon, I’ve heard from everyone who met
you in Incubi that I was constantly told there was a hot female version of me.” Jonathan explained as
he got his laughter under control.
“A hot? Which one of those fuckwads was calling me that?” I arched my eyebrow, nodding to the
screen with the group chat that suddenly no one was replying.
“None of them in the chat. Tanner, Collin, and Kurt wouldn’t call anyone but their mates hot. But some
of the unmated wolves that came back had some things to say. Which reminds me….” He explained,
turning his attention to Dove.
“Dove, put in my calendar to make an unannounced visit to Austin Shelton.” He instructed.
“Calendar updated for earliest availability. Visit Austin Shelton Friday at 9 pm.” Dove announced as the
monitor had the text switched to Jonathan’s calendar.
Holy shit, his schedule is packed. Oddly the days before today, nothing in his schedule involved going
to Silvercloud HQ. But every weekday from today forward has a slot of 8 am - 5 pm marked as Work w/
Persephone Fayte. I was about to ask if he even had free time, and then I realized the bulk of his
calendar was blacked out for inventing.
“So, will you have to pencil in dates and sex? Not sure your calendar has the availability for a social
life.” I taunted him.
“My calendar is flexible. Most of what’s there is me blocking out time for inventing, which means
anyone with access to my calendar knows to leave me alone.” He shrugged. “Trust me. There will be
plenty of time for sex and dates if you want them. And sex shouldn’t be scheduled.” He wrinkled his
nose, and it was my turn to laugh.
“Okay… as long as you aren’t going to have Dove schedule ‘sex’ into your calendar.” I laughed,
shaking my head.
“Yeah, that’s not going to happen. Plus, I don’t need the others knowing that level of detail.” He
snickered, shaking his head. Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.
I blinked as I realized that somehow, during our banter, we’d moved closer. Not just closer, I’d turned to
lean against the workstation, and Jonathan’s muscular arms caged me. Our bodies were pressed so
close I could feel him getting hard under his shorts, and I’m sure he could feel my nipples hardening.
My heartbeat quickened as I gripped the workstation to stop myself from wrapping my arms around him
and climbing on him again. Shit being close like this is intoxicating.
That urge was stronger as his eyes locked on mine, and the amber seemed to glow as it swirled in his
eyes. Staring into his eyes is dangerous. They are hypnotic. And it’s like his form of hypnotism is trying
to turn me into a nymphomaniac. Unconsciously I licked my lips, and his eyes tracked the movement of
my tongue with a growl that made my clit perk to attention. Damn him and his sexiness.
“New message from Logan Kinsley,” Dove announced, breaking the spell as we jumped apart.
I winced as my back hit the edge of the table. Jonathan winced because I accidentally stomped on his
foot. While it’s probably for the best that we got interrupted, it was still annoying.
“Fuck even when not here, and he cockblocks.” Jonathan grumbled as he moved to be next to me.
“Yeah…” I agreed as I found a stool and sat down.
“What is the message?” Jonathan sighed.
“Take a break from fucking long enough to stop BLOCKING me in the pack link!” An exact copy of
Logan’s voice echoed in the bunker.
“That’s freaky. Why would you have Dove sound like Logan?” I asked. “And why would you block your
Alpha in the pack link?”
“I didn’t. I don’t think. I told you I made Dove in my sleep. There’s a lot I don’t know about Dove.”
Jonathan shrugged. “And, of course, I was blocking him. The last thing I want as a voice in my head
while having sex is Logan’s.” He snorted.
“Okay, that’s a very valid reason.” I conceded, shuddering at the idea of if we were in Incubi and Alec
was trying to speak to me in the link.
I cocked my head as I watched his eyes glaze ever so slightly. He’s communicating with Logan. I wish I
knew what they were talking about, but I’m sure he’ll fill me in when he’s done. While they had their
mind link, I looked at the profiles again. Some rather interesting abilities these Bloodmoon wolves
possess.
However, one of them struck me as odd compared to the others. Rohan Rock shows his stats as
unmated. Why would an unmated male be on the list when everyone else is mated? He seemed to
check the other boxes based on his gifts, fitting the stealth aspect of the role as Jonathan described.
He’s also not a newly-shifted wolf nor someone too old. Though being unmated was the only thing that
made his profile stand apart. It shows his job is Silvercloud Industrial Security.
“Anyone standing out that you want to know more about? Anything not in the pack member profile?”
Jonathan’s voice jarred me out of my contemplation.
“Um, well, this Rohan stands out. What were the query criteria you gave Dove?” I asked, pointing to
Rohan’s profile.
“I don’t know why he’s on the list. Maybe Dove has a glitch. I outlined my query for mated warriors, gifts
that lend themselves to physical strength or stealth, and under forty.” Jonathan’s brow furrowed as he
looked at the screen.
“Yeah, I did find it odd you’d select an unmated male, at least for as long as I’m unmarked.” I nodded.
“Unlike the other candidates, he works for you at Silvercloud HQ in the security department.” I pointed
out.
“Hmm… still don’t know why Dove would include him.” Jonathan frowned. “I’ll have to look into that
deeper. There’s a lot about Dove I need to take a deeper look at.”
“Well, I’ll be happy to help you with that.” I offered with a smile. “What did your Alpha want?” I asked,
changing the subject.
“To tell me if I mark you before you’ve at least finished a month of your internship, I’m kibble. And that
your family is going to be here in a week.” He shrugged though the last part was a little quieter.
“A month? Why?” I questioned before the second sentence registered. “What does he define as my
family? Like Crista is coming or….” I was suddenly terrified at the idea.
If by family Logan means the D’Amore family, then the highest-ranked members of the Sicilian packs
would all descend upon Bloodmoon. And worse, Jonathan would be their target. I don’t know what that
would mean. I know how Alec has treated boys in the pack that has flirted with me. Jonathan isn’t some
boy I want to leave me alone. Jonathan is my mate and, therefore, the only male I don’t want to stay
away from me. Or they are all coming because they want to pay back every time I annoyed them and
interrupted them from getting laid.