Shifted Perceptions (Alpha Division) (19 page)

Chapter 40

The team had gathered at Alex, Jordan, and Sam’s place. Everyone was there, even Liz, Sam’s friend. She was human too, but we forgave her for that. She was cool.

They were all waiting on us when we arrived
and were sure to rib us about how late we were. Can I help it if I had to attack Paul in the car? He’s sexy as fuck when he’s driving. Well, really, he’s that sexy no matter what he’s doing.

“Took you fucking long enough,” Leo said
, before gathering me in his arms.

“Shut the hell up,” I growled, pinching his side as I pulled away.

“Ouch!”

“Whin
y shit.”

The laughter made me feel good
, as each one stepped up to give me a hug. Paul would growl if any one lingered, which just set off more laughter.

Red
, of course, got a pass, as he hugged me tight and thanked me over and over. “Dude, no big deal,” I told him, with a grin. “Just doing my job.” More seriously, I said, “You’d do the same for me.”

“In a heartbeat,” he stated
, along with the rest of the team, as they each shouted their approval. Though Leo’s shout of, “Bet your sweet ass, we would,” caused me to laugh, Paul didn’t take kindly to the remark, putting Leo into a headlock.

Once
the laughter calmed down, Paul let Leo go and we all sat at the massive oak table. It was covered in dishes and bowls, heaped high with food.

A phone rang and Liz looked through her purse and pulled out her cell.  “I’m so sorry
, guys,” she said. “I’ve got to take this.”

We all nodded
, as she left the room, but I couldn’t help but notice the way Bear’s gaze followed the leggy blonde. I grinned and waggled my eyebrows, when he turned back, catching my eyes.

He snarled playfully
, just as Liz flew back into the room. “So sorry, Foxy, but I’ve got to go.” She gave me a quick hug.

“No problem,” I said. “Everything okay?”

“Yeah, just a demanding boss. We all have one,” She gave Teij a look and we all burst out laughing when he said, “What?” Like he didn’t know how very demanding he could be.

“You’re working on a Saturday?” Sam asked with a frown.

Liz sighed, “Mr Wolford has been such an ass lately. If I could find something that paid as well, I would have already quit,” she shrugged.

“So sorry,” Sam said. “Call me later?”

Liz went to hug Sam and kissed little Ava’s head before leaving, then Everyone dug into the feast in front of us, talking, laughing, and I began to notice something.

Sam sat across from me,
gently rocking her baby girl, Ava, as she smiled up at Alex. Jordan growled next at him, causing the three to laugh. He took the baby into his arms and cuddled her to his chest, kissing her little head, her blonde locks as light as her daddy’s. The three looked so happy and I smiled brightly at the perfect family they made. They were so lucky.

My gaze went to Red, look
ing healthy, not even a scratch left on his skin. He threw back his head and laughed after punching Leo in the shoulder, though his hazel eyes didn’t retain as much spark as they had. Hopefully, we could get him to talk about it soon.

Teij sat next to them and when he noticed me looking
, he winked before turning back to his conversation with Hawk and Sōm. They looked so serious, but knowing them, it was only about the latest book they read.

A loud, deep guffaw grabbed my attention. Bear’s shoulders shook with hilarity, his head thrown back. Then he pointed at Roman and shook his head. Roman slammed
his fist on the table, making the plates rattle, but his tight jaw gave way to a reluctant smile. Bear never lost an argument, I chuckled.

My laughter
faded away when I realized this was all so familiar. Too familiar.

A warm hand wrapped around mine and squeezed. I looked up
, hesitantly at the man sitting beside me. Paul grinned down at me, but I couldn’t smile. Not yet.

He frowned and tilted his head to
the side, worry beginning to etch itself across his face. We stared at one another, as I waited for my nightmare to begin, but it never did. My eyes stung and I beamed up at him, showing this man, this magnificent man how much I loved him.

He returned my smile, his own dark gaze sparkling with love. This was no nightmare. This wasn’t even a dream, I thought. It was my freaking perfect life.

“Get a fucking room!” Leo yelled, breaking the moment, as we all laughed.

Yep, perfe
ct.

Chapter 41

Journal Entry – Day 20

I’ve decided to keep up with this journal thing. It’s really helped me a lot. When Paul pisses me off, which is just about everyday, I just write down what I want to do to him and I feel much better.

But as much as he drives me crazy, I can’t imagine anything better than waking up to him every morning. He’s still just as demanding in bed as he ever was, but I like it. And I really like trying to get the upper hand. Hell, sometimes he even lets me.

I thank my lucky stars every day that he’s alive
, and though I still have the nightmare every once in a while, it’s slowly starting to die. Paul’s always there to chase the darkness away and remind me that he truly is alive and well.

I don’t like to write about work, but looks like things
are about to heat up. Whoever is leading this organization is getting out of hand. Our labs discovered a component to the drug that no one can decipher. What ever this shit is, it’s bad. Real bad. We’ve got to put a stop to it, and soon. The dead are beginning to pile up and if something isn’t done, we’ll have even more shit to deal with. Like our secret coming out. The humans are getting suspicious.

I see Stone every once in a while, but not often and not for personal reason
s. It’s funny, but we don’t even look at each other like that any more. The mission comes first. No, that’s not true. Paul and me come first, the mission comes second. And Stone is just a nice memory, but nothing more.

`Paul just jumped on the bed, and I’m trying to hide this from him, but it’s not working. He’s always trying to see what I’m writing. PAUL IS SUCH AN ASS~

Better watch that mouth.

Stop taking my pen!

Come here, Foxy.

~~~

Author’s note:

Thank you so much for reading Shifted Perceptions. I hope you enjoyed
reading the story as much as I loved writing it. Foxy really kept me on my toes for this one! I loved her character, even when she got bitchy.

Reviews mean so much to
the authors! If you enjoyed Shifted Perceptions, please consider leaving a review. Thank you!

Xoxo,

C.E. Black

http://ceblackbooks.weebly.com/

Also by C.E. Black:

Enduring Kiss Collection

Enduring Kiss

The Perfect Mate

Second Chance

Embraced

Alpha Division

Shifted Temptations

Shifted Perceptions

The Dreams and Nightmares Anthology

reVerie

Cursed Desires

Be the first to know about C.E. Black’s new releases! Sign up for her Newsletter
here
. And continue reading for an excerpt to
A Shifted Wedding (Alpha Division 2.5).

Coming Soon!

A Shifted Wedding (Alpha Division, Book 2.5)

by C.E. Black

Excerpt:

“So, tomorrow’s the big day, huh?” Foxy asked, as she flopped down on the couch. Liz sat down next to her, as they regarded Sam with bright smiles.

The house was full and oddly enough, instead of the women sitting around the kitchen table talking, that’s where the men were. Their boisterous laughter could be heard throughout the house
, as the guys ribbed each other. The ball and chain jokes they teased Alex and Jordan with, sounded lame and a bit immature, but only had the three women rolling their eyes on occasion.

“Tomorrow,” Sam nodded, twisting her brown hair around her hand before pulling it around to lay on one shoulder. It had gotten so long, the tips brushed her knees and she idly wondered if she’d have time to get a quick trim before the wedding tomorrow, but dismissed the idea immediately. There was no time.

“I’m glad it’s finally able to happened,” She continued. “With the way everybody’s schedule is, I thought we’d never find a day you could all come.”

“So what are we doing tonight?” Foxy asked. Liz and Sam looked at each and shook their heads. “Nothing,” Sam shrugged.

“Well,” Foxy’s grin had trouble written all over it. “We should totally go out. I’ve always wanted to go to a bachelorette party!”

Sam shook her head, “I don’t think that’s a good idea,”

Liz reached down into her purse and pulled out a notebook, flipping through the pages as she shook her head no as well. “I don’t know if there’s any room in the schedule.”

“Oh
, come on!” Foxy threw her hand up in the air. “I’m sure there’s enough time to go out for a couple of hours tonight.”

“And show up hung over on my wedding day? I don’t think so,” Sam groaned.

“You don’t have to get drunk. Hell, you don’t even have to drink.”

Sam thought it over for a minute. Foxy watched her, an encouraging smile gracing her lips. Maybe something small, Sam thought and nodded, “Okay.”

“Whoop!” Foxy jumped up and fisted the air. “I know the perfect place and the men are out of this world hot. You’re going to have so much fun.”

“Whoa, wait!” Sam held up a hand, a look of horror crossing her face. “Are you talking about a strip club? Because if so, then the answer is no. Jordan and Alex would flip their lids. And don’t you even tell me Paul would
be any happier,” she pointed her finger accusingly at Foxy. Foxy flopped back down on the couch with a sigh as Sam continued. “But going out does sound nice. Why not a low key dinner or something?”

“The strip club would have been fun,” Liz agreed, causing the other two women to look at her. “What?” she asked as they both stared at her, their eyes wide with surprise.

“You want to go to a strip club?” Sam asked.

Liz shrugged, “I just said it sounded fun. I’ve never been to one before.”

“Well, it’s not happening tonight. Not if I want to live.”

“Oh, come on,” Foxy rolled her eyes. “Alex will keep Jordan from wringing your neck,” she said, making them all laugh.

“But seriously, they would never hurt you. So what if they get a little pissed. It makes playtime more fun.” Foxy waggled her eyebrows as she stood. “I’ll be right back. Just think about it, okay.”

Entering the kitchen, Foxy stopped in the doorway and watched the five men chuckling at some obscene joke. All of the guys didn’t stop by as they were running errands for the bride and grooms, but Paul, Hawk, and Leo were there. As well as Jordan and Alex, of course.

As Jordan slid past her to go into the living room, Foxy patted his back before turning to see Ava in her high chair. She was watching the men with interest as she snacked on some banana slices.

“You know,” Foxy said, gaining the room's attention. “That little girl over there is listening very carefully to every word you guys are saying.”

Comically the four men all turned to look at the one year old at the same time, their eyes wide with realization. “Oh, God,” Alex groaned. Ava giggled and kicked her feet excitedly as he spoke.

“Don’t worry about it, Alex,” Foxy told him. “I’m pretty sure she didn’t understand a word you said.”

The men visible relaxed causing Foxy so chuckle under her breath. Alex cleaned Ava up before lifting her out of the high chair. “Hey, beautiful,” he said, kissing her cheek. The little girl smiled before leaning in and placing her drooling open mouth over his, wanting another kiss. Alex obliged, smacking his lips to make a smooching sound that caused Ava to go off in a fit of baby giggles.

“What the hell was that?” Leo asked, his face scrunched up in disgust as Alex wiped the drool off his face.

“Watch your mouth,” Jordan demanded as he walked back into the room.

Alex shrugged, “That’s how babies kiss. She can’t pucker her lips yet, so she comes at you with an open mouth all the time.”

“That’s just weird. And the drool is gross,” Leo replied.

“It’s cute,” Jordan growled. “And she’s teething, so shut up.”

“So,” Foxy stepped in. “What’s going on in here? Besides drooling babies and fart jokes.” Paul wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her down to sit on his lap. Foxy sat heavily causing Paul to let out a grunt, then she wiggled her ass until he groaned. “Watch it, woman,” he growled in her ear, but all Foxy did was grin.

“We were just talking about tonight,” Hawk told her. “Making plans to go shoot some pool and drink some beer.”

“A bachelor party?” Foxy asked, her eyebrow raised.

“A small one,” Alex nodded.

“And who’s watching Ava?”

“Sam’s watching her,” Jordan replied.

“Well, you might want to rethink that. The three of us were going to have a bachelorette party.”

“What kind of bachelorette party?” Alex asked, his eyes narrowed on Foxy.

Foxy waggled her eyebrows and Alex shook his head no. “No, Foxy. I know what you’re thinking, and it’s a
no
. Sam is not going to a strip club.”

“Oh, lighten up!” Foxy huffed. “She just wants a quiet dinner anyway.” Jordan hadn’t said anything and she looked at him. His brows were lowered as he thought. “What’s wrong, Jordan?”

“I just asked her about tonight, and she didn’t say a word about the three of you going out. She said for me to have fun and she’d watch Ava.” Why did she lie to him?

Sam walked in just as Jordan finished speaking, her expression confused as everyone turned to look at her. “What?”

“Why didn’t you tell me you had plans tonight?” Jordan asked.

“It’s no big deal, Jordan,” she shrugged. “I figured Foxy and Liz could just come over here and watch a movie or something when Ava went to bed.”

Foxy cleared her throat, “Sam, I don’t mind coming over, but when was the last time you took time for yourself?”

“I don’t know...” She trailed off. “Oh, Liz and I met for lunch last month.”

Liz walked in behind Sam, shaking her head. “Yeah, but you left before we even ordered.” She looked at Foxy. “Sam got a call from Alex and took off.”

“He couldn’t find the diaper rash cream. I had to come home,” she explained.

“TMI!” Leo shouted.

“TMI to diaper rash cream? Really?” Hawk asked him.

“It’s gross, dude.”

“Okay,” Foxy interrupted them. “That doesn’t count. What else have you done?”

“I had an appointment to get my hair done three months ago,” Sam lifted her chin.

“That was a long time ago, but I’ll buy that,” Foxy nodded. “So, why doesn’t your hair look any different? In fact, it looks longer than before.”

Sam’s cheeks flushed with irritation. Why couldn’t they leave her alone about this? “Before I got into the salon, Jordan called. Ava had colic and wouldn’t stop crying. I left before I could get the cut.”

The room was silent except for the soft coos coming from Ava in Alex’s arms. He and Jordan stared at Sam, their brows lowered in thought, though it looked like anger was beginning to spark in their eyes.

“We better go,” Paul said after an uncomfortable few seconds, giving Foxy a little push off his lap.

Hawk and Leo made it out the door first, calling out their goodbyes and telling Jordan to give them a call if the plans were still on. Foxy paused next to Paul and sighed. “I think Sam needs this, guys.” She looked between Alex and Jordan. “Paul and I will watch Ava while all of you go out.”

“Wait,” Paul looked at Foxy cross-eyed. “Why are you volunteering me?”

“We’re a couple, Paul,” Foxy said. “What’s mine, is yours, and yours, is mine.”

“That’s not what that means,” he groaned.

“Okay, fine!” With a huff, she smiled. “My sacrifices, are your sacrifices. Now, let’s go.” Pulling Paul out the door, she called over her shoulder, “We’ll be here at seven.”

“You’re asking for it, woman,” Pauls deep voice mixed with Foxy’s laughter as the door shut behind them, leaving Jordan, Alex, and Sam alone in the kitchen.

Sam looked up at Jordan and sucked in a startled breath. He looked angry. No, more than that. He was pissed. And he was looking right at her, his blue eyes dark and narrow. Before she could ask what was wrong, he stormed out of the room.

“Are you kidding me?” she asked aloud.

Alex shifted Ava in his arms, “Just let him cool off-”

No,” she interrupted, before following Jordan down the hall. That man was not going to walk away like that. She hadn’t done anything wrong to be on the receiving end of his anger and she wouldn’t put up with his attitude. If he had a problem with her, then he better damn well be ready to talk about it.

~~~