Training a Wife

by Trinity Blacio

  “How about a picnic with the four of us tonight? We could have it in front of the fireplace, watch movies, maybe some Margaritas? Strawberry ones, yum.” She kissed his chin. “I’ll even give you a nice rub down in front of the fireplace.”

  “Hey, what about me?” Dred said coming into the room.

  “You can give me one,” Beth teased and his eyes heated. “But I could give you something else if you’re really good and make us some of those steaks I keep hearing about.” She teased and lifted her arms as Dred pulled her favorite dress over her head. “Thanks, this dress is one of my comfort ones. You know when you just need something warm and soft against your skin.”

  “Yes, but I have you for that,” Dred said and nipped her ear helping her off the counter.

  “I do have to agree, if I want something warm snuggle up with you are the perfect one all nice and round in all the right places,” Edward said and squeezed her ass cheek.

  “Hey cool it. Remember can’t do shit for a couple of days,” she mumbled. “Where are Lucas and Rock?” she asked as Dred took her brush and started to brush out her hair.

  “They are speaking with Lucas’ parents who came back as soon as they heard about the babies. They would like a word with you personally.”

  Edward bent down and scooped her up into his arms. “You will not be walking that much either. I should have forbidden you from walking the other day, but I didn’t listen to my gut. This time you will listen.” Edward said as they moved out into the hallway.

  “There is a word I really hate and I suggest you not use it in my presence.” Beth leaned back and gave him one of her looks that were meant to scare them.

  He couldn’t hold back the laugh. “Do you really think that look is going to change my mind?” he asked kissing the top of her head.

  “Well, it should give you pause at least. But, Edward, please use some other word. I’ve always tried to do what you ask of me, but when you use that word the little horns come out of hiding and I want to do bad things,” she said batting her eyes at him.

  “What the hell?” Edward jumped and glared down at an innocent looking witch.

  “Something wrong, sweetheart?” she asked as they stepped into the dining room hall.

  “I can still put you over my knee, Little Witch, but I will try and watch my vocabulary for you.” Edward placed her in her seat and nodded to the Rock and Lucas when they came into the room.

  “Hey, Beautiful, did you have a good rub down?” Rock leaned over and kissed her.

  It seemed Dred was right they all needed to be close to her, touching her. When Rock moved away, Lucas leaned over and placed a kiss on her cheek. “You okay?” He asked looking at her than at Dred.

  “Lucas, he can’t help the way he felt. Let it be. We all have to live with what happened and I don’t need the tension between you two. I have a feeling I’m going to get enough from others.” She looked around the table and her gaze rested on one of his distant cousins, Marble, for a second and then moved to a person she didn’t recognize.

  He got up from his chair and was going to go around asking who they were when all four of Beth’s aunts came running into the room and surrounded her.

  She laughed and hugged each one. They were talking a mile a minute. When he looked up again he watched the young man get up and start to move out of the room, but Lucas was in front of him before he could leave.

  “How do we know you and why are you in our private dining area?” Lucas asked and he glanced back noticing Dred had placed himself in front of Beth. While Rock stood on her other side watching. Even her guards were at attention waiting.

  “I’m her nephew Mathew Brady. I didn’t have anywhere else to go and Mom told me about her before she died last week.” At a closer look, Edward could now tell the man wasn’t a man at all, but a child in his teens.

  “How old are you, Mathew? Have you had any contact with your father in the past few years?” Lucas asked looking at him, then behind him.

  Beth stood, her aunts lined up next to her, checking out the boy. “He’s okay Lucas or he wouldn’t have been allowed in.” She started to walk over to them and he growled.

  “Sit! We will come to you,” he ordered earning him a glare, but he didn’t care.

  For about a minute she stood there glaring at him, but finally Beth nodded and sat down. He turned to Lucas, who nodded. “He’s clean and his story is true, but I’m going to have a word with our security team,” Lucas said before disappearing.

  “I hope I didn’t get anyone in trouble. I really didn’t know where else to go. I never knew my father and he didn’t know about me. Mom was afraid he’d hurt me. She heard about what he did to his sister.” Mathew looked at him then down at the ground.

  “How old is Mathew? Do you know what your father did to your aunt?” Edward asked and he shook his head.

  “Mom told me it was her story and that she wouldn’t be gossiping about her. I’m 14, sir.” He looked over at Beth and he smiled.

  “Come meet your aunt and welcome, Mathew. You have a home here for however long you wish. I’m Edward…”

  “Oh, I know who you are and it’s a privilege to meet you. Do I call you, your Majesty?” the boy frowned. “I forgot to bow. I’m so sorry.” The boy bowed and Beth laughed.

  “Mathew, come here and quit bowing to him. It will give him a big head, like he doesn’t have one already, or two should I say,” she smirked and everyone in the room laughed.

  “Are you complaining my dear?” Edward placed his arm around Mathew’s shoulders and moved up to the table. “Mathew, this is Dred. He is the Alpha of the wolves here at the castle and this is his brother Rock. The man that just left was Lucas. All of us are husbands to your Aunt Beth and now uncles to you. If you need anything, please don’t hesitate to ask.”

  “Will you hush for a minute?” Beth said and took Mathew’s hands into hers. At once Edward could feel the magic and he went to yank Mathew back, but Beth shook her head. “He has my father’s touch, but there is none of Giles in him. You haven’t touched the magic in you yet, have you?” she asked and Lucas’ chair came up and she nodded to it. “Sit.” He laughed and sat down.

  “No, Mom was too afraid it would draw my father to us. I heard he was dead. Is it true?” the boy asked and she nodded.

  “I killed him. I did give him a chance to change, but I’m afraid he was far too gone,” Lucas stated lifting Beth up and placing her on his lap as he sat down since his chair was taken. “Where did you live?”

  “The first few years I was born, Mother hid us. From what she told me, he looked for her a few times, but gave up. Once she knew he wasn’t coming after us, we settled in New Orleans. You can hide there easy,” he said smiling. “Did you know there are even goblins? I met two of them.”

  Beth laughed and reached over to hug him. “Welcome to the family, Mathew,” she whispered into his ear. “Now get ready. You’re going to be smothered by your great aunts,” she teased, but was not kidding as all four of her aunts started hugging and kissing him.

  Edward laughed as his face turned a beat red and she heard him saying, “Yes, ma’am” over and over again. He leaned over and kissed the side of Beth’s cheek. “You okay?”

  “If I can’t have my brother, I’ll take his child any day. He has a lot of raw power in him, but I’m not the one to train him. Maybe we should find someone to help him.” She looked back at Mathew and sighed. “He’s so handsome.”

  “I have experience with this. Why don’t you let me work with him? It would give me something to do and he’d be closer to us, if he needs us. You know there might be other children out there if he was what the rumors pegged him as.”

  Lucas hugged her tight and nodded to the plate of fruit in front of her. “Eat, Lancelot got all your favorites and he is even making eggs Benedict for you. I might have to talk with him. I think he favors you a bit much,” Lucas grumbled and Beth laughed as he grabbed a piece of fruit and held it to his mouth.

>   “He’s a friend and you know it. Plus, I can’t help it if others find me adorable.” Beth reached over and grabbed a piece of melon, taking a bite. “God, I love fresh fruit.” She looked over at Mathew and he was staring at the bowl of fruit. “Mathew, how did you get here and when was the last time you ate?” she asked pushing the bowl of fruit towards him. “Have some. There is plenty.”

  The boy looked at Lucas and then him. “Go on, it’s okay. She’s right. There is more of that.” Edward encouraged the kid as the four sisters took a seat around them.

  “It wasn’t easy. Caught a ride with several truck drivers and I had a hot dog yesterday afternoon,” he said stuffing a strawberry in his mouth.

  Chapter Six

  “Will you sit down?” Avril pleaded a second time, looking towards the door. “If Edward comes in here…hell, if any of your men come in here, seeing you pacing is going to make them furious. I promised them you’d stay seated, my queen.”

  “Stop that! When we are alone call me Beth.” She sat down in the chair to stop Avril’s whining. “It’s been two days and they heard the doctors the same as I have. I’m fine physically,” she turned her chair around and stared out at the window. “I just wish they’d find Lucas’ brother. I’m tired of putting my life on hold. I can’t go shopping, go for a run, nothing.” And Claire had left in the morning, leaving her alone again.

  All four of her men had been called into a meeting with Lucas’ father and all the heads of different families. Both Edward and Lucas didn’t want her alone, so they had dragged Avril into her office when he had gotten up. For the first three hours they had gone through the menus for the week, talked with staff about the number of people here and arranged for Dred’s pack to have a few hundred buffalos and cows brought to supply them with meat while they were here.

  “So, you are going to tell me what the bitch Marble wanted?” Avril asked, sitting back watching her.

  “You know what she wanted. Don’t play stupid. She was just trying to stir up trouble once again,” Beth snorted. “I don’t know why she won’t give up, but she does have a thing for Dred. Plus, there is the fact she can’t stand me and the fact I’m Queen.” Beth looked at Avril. “How much pull does she have around here? I know her little clique of friends are about ten strong, but do others listen to her and her stupid little group? Maybe I should have her sent back to her family.”

  “Who are you going to send away?” Edward came in with Dred looking from her to Avril. “She was walking around, wasn’t she?” Edward asked, sitting on the edge of her desk while Dred came around the desk and lifted her up, taking her spot and placing her on his lap.

  Avril shrugged. “She got up a few times, but when I reminded her, she sat back down. We’re talking about Marble. Seems she’s unhappy about her quarters and wants to be moved closer to you. Says she is family. A few other complaints as well.” Avril’s eyes met hers and she moaned.

  “Little Witch, what did she do now?” Edward asked and she knew he meant business when he glanced at her.

  “Just the same crap. You know, you’re not fit to be Queen, you should just walk away while you can.” Beth looked down.

  “And?” Edward said.

  “And she told me it was just as well that I lost the babies, okay happy?” she snapped and tried to get up, but Dred held onto her and pulled her back against his chest, kissing the side of her head. “You know she wants in your pants, Dred?”

  He snorted. “Like I’d touch that piece of shit. Sorry, Edward, but she’s been in everyone’s bed. She and that little group she hangs with are always trying to start trouble even with the pack. I think we need to send her back to her parent’s right now. We don’t need the hassle.” Dred looked over at Edward and he nodded.

  “I’ve warned her, but it’s time for her to go home, but…” Edward turned his gaze to her. “That is not what has upset and you are upset, Little Witch. We could all feel it.” Edward waited and she sighed.

  “I got a call today,” she looked at Avril who frowned. “It was when you were in the vault,” she explained to Avril. “Someone gave Nora my private number and yes, before you say anything, he was also on the phone.” Beth jerked back as Lucas and Rock appeared in the room with Lucas’ father.

  “Damn it, don’t do that. You just scared the crap out of me.” Beth took a deep breath and glared at Lucas.

  “Sorry, My Heart, but you should have contacted us right away when they called. What happened?” One thing about Lucas. It was rare for him to show any emotion, but the anger that flashed across his face for a second had her a little bit nervous.

  “He knows about the Dizoolexa and said it won’t stop him. Nora was just repeating the same things that were in her letters, but she didn’t know about your brother’s interest in me and his plans to keep me. Needless to say, Nora was not happy.” She took a deep breath and looked down at her hands. “Konrad is not going to give up. He wants me and said he’d stop all the fighting if I went away with him, be his woman.” Beth slid out of a shocked Dred’s arms, went to the window and rested her forehead against the cool glass. “Think of all the people that would be saved if he were to actually keep his word,” Beth whispered and ignored the growls behind her.

  “And you believed him?” Dred yelled, his hands settling on her waist as he turned her to face them. “You are going nowhere,” he snarled his voiced so loud it vibrated off the walls.

  “I know, Dred. I’m not that stupid. But I’m hoping I planted a little bit of doubt into Nora’s head.” she wrapped her arms around Dred rubbing her cheek against his chest. Beth held him tight just needing to feel his arms around her. She rubbed her cheek against his chest as his hands ran up and down her back. “You always smell so good.” She kissed his chest and focused on Lucas.

  “Nora is reckless. Whenever Nora got a hint of something that she didn’t want, she went crazy and tried to change the situation to her favor. If I guess right, Konrad is using her. With the seed of doubt in Nora’s head, she’ll get careless. She’ll either come for me or give up his position.” Beth looked at Edward his gaze captured hers.

  “You set yourself up, again. Didn’t losing our children teach you anything?” Edward snapped before turning.

  Beth stepped out of Dred’s arms and walked around her desk to stand in front of Edward.

  “That was mean, just plain mean. I didn’t know he was going or even could do what he did and you know this. I’m tired, Edward. If it’s not someone from your people, it’s one of the pack that are causing trouble every time I turn around. Not to mention, I can’t leave these walls. Back the fuck off. I want this over with. I want to shop, go for a walk.” She took a deep breath and moved to the door.

  “Stop! One of us will have to be with her from now on.” Edward spoke behind her. He wrapped his arms around her and brought her back against his chest.

  “You are right it was and I’m sorry, but what you did was stupid and you will be punished, Little Witch. Lucas, I’d prefer two of us to be with her from now on. Dred, Rock, take Beth to our room and get her ready.” Edward turned her around and cupped her cheek. “Strap her on the bed. I don’t want her on the bench yet, but she must be punished for this.” He leaned down and kissed her lips softly. “I love you, Beth, but my heart can’t take much more. If I have to strap you to our bed and keep you there to keep you safe, I will.” He slapped her ass and stepped away as Dred and Rock both came to her side. Deception was sitting in the hall, waiting for them.

  With her hearing twice what it used to be, Beth listened to what Lucas’ father said.

  “You know if your woman is right, this might work to our benefit. Until we hear from the council, it’s the only thing we have going for us.”

  “Our woman has given up enough. Her parents were murdered; she lost her best friend, and our babies. No, she will not place herself in danger anymore. That I promised Beth,” Lucas said knowing she was listening.

  * * *

  Lucas crossed his
legs in front of him and stared at Edward. “You’re furious. I think it would be best if I controlled the punishment to Beth tonight.”

  Edward spun and slammed his fist into the wall, cracking it slightly. “I am beyond furious, but not all of this is about Beth. She’s right. Every time she turns around someone is starting something with her. I’m fed up with it. My cousin has already been sent home along with the small group she hung with, but I think it’s time we bring the pack, our people and hers together. It’s going to be dangerous, but it might also draw out Nora.” Edward turned and glanced toward him.

  “You’re right, but you should know the Governing Council has asked me to join their ranks. My father just informed me before he left. I guess a couple of them would like to come here and speak with me,” Lucas slowly stood and stretched.

  “You would be gone? You know Beth is not going like this. She depends on you as much as she does me.” Edward flexed his fingers and shook the hand he used to hit the wall.

  “I wouldn’t have to leave, just arrive for any meetings and such.” He looked down at his pet Masters and placed his hand on his head. “But if we are going to bring the troops together, do it as a formal invitation. I’ll invite the members here on that night. It would also give us added protection. They will need to meet each of you. Not only do they judge me, but they will be inspecting my family. It’s the first time they are allowing a representative to join them. I don’t know how much pull I’ll have with them, but it is an honor.” Lucas looked towards Edward. “I’m telling you this so you will be prepared when they show up. They’ve asked that we not inform anyone one else till they come, but since you are king, they allowed me to inform you.”

  Both of them started walking down the hall. “When should we do this? I want it soon. If we can plan this right, maybe we can capture both of them and work down from there,” Edward stated moving down the stairs to their private wing.