Sinclair and I woke up late the next morning, and frankly, I was grateful that everyone let us sleep in. We had to feed Rafe, of course, but even so, it was the most sleep I’d gotten in a long time.
“Morning,” I murmured, turning to Sinclair and slinging a leg over his hip. I felt ridiculously relaxed for someone who’d fought off kidnappers in her bedroom the previous day.
Sinclair didn’t say anything, just growled a hungry greeting and pulled me closer, rolling onto me so I felt his weight as he kissed my neck, shoulder, and mouth. “We’re skipping breakfast,” he murmured, sliding his hand down my body. “I have a different idea for how we can spend the time.”
“Noooo,” I moaned in protest, my stomach audibly growling in agreement. “I need fooooood!”
Sinclair laughed and pulled away. “Am I not sustenance enough for you?” he asked, pretending to be offended. “Here,” he said, offering his muscular arm. “Take a bite. It will keep you going.”
I bared my teeth, leaning forward, making him laugh. Then I kissed his arm, pushed him away, and reached for the baby, who was fussing in his cradle.
“As delicious as you are,” I called to Sinclair as I scooped Rafe into my arms, “the baby and I need pancakes.”
“Then pancakes you shall have,” Sinclair murmured, yawning and crossing to the small metal bathroom door. “But I hope you’re aware these will be ‘bunker pancakes’,” he added, opening the door, “which means plain toast.”
I laughed, indicating that was fine. I spent a few sweet minutes alone with my son, talking softly to him while I fed him, admiring his little face and thick, black hair, mussed from sleep.
I sighed, thinking this would surely be a busy, complicated day. But with sweet starts like this… how could it end badly?
A little later, we gathered in the conference room at the end of the bunker. I looked around at the men we’d brought with us; I was proud of them. Many had worked through the night developing reconnaissance and a plan.
A pang of guilt struck me. They’d been working, losing sleep, while I was relaxing—and doing more than relaxing—with my mate. But…
Well, I’m the boss. I built this system, putting in the hours to get where I am. I’m allowed to indulge in some privileges—even if my instinct is to work constantly. Ella and Rafe need my attention as much as my business and political life. And, considering what Roger and Cora went through yesterday, they needed me last night, too.
“You’re doing fine, Dominic,” my father murmured beside me, quietly enough that no one else heard.
“What?” I asked, surprised.
My dad smirked briefly before placing paperwork on the table. “You think I can’t read your emotions, even when you try to hide them? I’m your father, boy. We still have a bond, even if it’s changed.”
I smiled, clasping his shoulder, grateful for him. Roger gave us a sharp nod, which we returned. I laughed, realizing how similar our body language was. My dad chuckled, too.
“What?” Roger asked, confused. I shook my head, letting him know it wasn’t important. He shrugged, leaning to look at the plans my dad had made.
Roger straightened when Cora and Ella entered, warmly greeting everyone. Ella showed off the baby, and Cora handed out coffee.
“Uh-oh,” Roger said, eyes wide.
“What?” I asked, looking between Roger and our mates.
“Dominic,” Roger said, his voice tight, “don’t you see the issue?” He gestured toward them.
Frowning, disturbed that I didn’t, I shook my head.
“Dom,” Roger sighed, rubbing his hand down his face. “I’m going to forgive you for this, since you’ve been a little…hypnotized by Ella since she walked into your life—”
“Wha-!” I started, but Roger’s look silenced me. I frowned, crossing my arms, letting him continue.
“Seriously, Dom,” he continued quickly, “Ella’s amazing, and I love her, but you let her get away with things you wouldn’t let anyone else get away with.”
“She’s usually right!” I protested, but he cut me off.
“She is, and I’m not questioning your judgment—but I’ve had the privilege of knowing Ella and Cora without being in love with one of them from the start—”
I raised an eyebrow, but he ignored me.
“And,” Roger continued, “I’m more aware of what they can do when they combine their powers. You have a soft spot for Ella; you think she’s funny, and now Cora’s got me wrapped up—”
I smirked, looking at the two women, realizing he was right.
“And,” I continued, voicing his thoughts, “with the two of us under their thumbs, if they want to, they’ll control this meeting.”
“Yeah,” Roger replied, sighing and folding his arms, watching them as I was.
“Shit,” I murmured, shaking my head.
Ella turned, catching us looking at her. Her face broke into a wicked grin before softening into a sweet smile as she blew me a kiss, handing a coffee to one of our men.
“Oh no,” Roger moaned, seeing Ella’s expression change. “They’ve become aware of their power—they know—”
“Shiiiiiit,” I murmured, shaking my head harder.
“This is why,” Roger snapped, frowning at me, “we never should have gotten involved with…sisters! What the hell were we thinking? We should have mated with two women who are mortal enemies so they could never team up against us—”
“You’re right,” I agreed, sighing. “But it’s too late now. Unless you want to give yours up,” I quipped, grinning.
“Not on your life,” Roger murmured, smirking. “I got the hot one.”
“Whatever,” I laughed, knowing he was wrong but happy to let him think he was right. That’s how one should love their mate—believing them incomparable. I’m glad he sees Cora that way, the same way I see Ella.
Ready to begin, I clapped my hands loudly, calling the group to order. As everyone shuffled into place, I was grateful Roger had made me aware of Ella and Cora's influence. Indeed, they took seats as far from us as possible, Rafe bundled warmly in Ella’s arms. But I noticed that, even at the end of the table, their seats could also be considered the head of the table.
And they weren’t going to like the direction we were heading.
I grinned, preparing for a fight.