by Candi Fox
Finally, she filled her own plate, ravenous from hunger. She took a seat between her two husbands. A smile tilted the corners of her mouth upward as she remembered her ceremony with Nik under the stars.
Her stomach growled loudly before she could take the first bite. Her father, ever the wise man, knew exactly what to say.
“You’d better feed that wild creature before it eats the table.”
Emma’s laugh had a contagious effect, soon everyone at the table chuckled along with her.
“Papa has been telling me that since I was six. My stomach took a most inopportune moment at a state luncheon to declare it’s emptiness.”
Her mother laughed hard enough where she needed to catch a breath before speaking. “The Queen Mum looked like she was going to burst out laughing, while everyone else in the room scowled. I admit, it’s the best formal meal I’ve ever attended.”
Emma shook her head. Admittedly, her mother’s free spirit had made everyone else’s sense of propriety seem stuffy.
The morning meal passed with laughter and good company. Emma headed upstairs after seeing Cord to the door, not surprised to find her best friend sitting impatiently on her bed. The moment she opened the door Amanda flew off the bed, wrapping her arms around Emma and squeezing her tight.
“You have to tell me everything. Are you all right? Did they truly not hurt you? That snide Standhope woman has been saying horrid things about you.
“It makes me want to pull her hair out.”
“Don’t worry, I’ll help you. Ms. Standhope has been a busy little bee. One that’s about to be smooshed.”
“I can’t believe you're married.”
“I’m sorry. I wanted you to be there. With that little wasp buzzing about town, my parents, Cord, and myself decided it would be best if we married immediately. She only sped up the inevitable.”
“You really think so? You didn’t have to marry him?”
Emma shook her head. “No, no one hurt me like that. One of the robbers claimed me as their own but had a thing for his own bed. He kept me safe from the others, and I was able to gain his confidence and get lost on the night we made it to their hideout.”
She hated lying to her friend. The story, mostly true, protected Wyatt Doolin. Something about him made her trust him implicitly. Even though he rode with a gang of cutthroats.
“What about the savages they sold you to?”
“They didn’t sell me to anyone. She made that up.”
“Ooh, that jealous hussy.”
“Don’t worry, about her. I’m Mrs. Cord Masterson. Little she can do about that. In fact, I think we should get busy making sure the whole town knows just how happy my husband is with his new bride.”
“I like the way you think, Mrs. Masterson. You can give me all the juicy details while we get you dressed.”
**
Three hours later, Emma was dressed smartly in a deep cobalt blue walking suit. Her hair was pulled to the side and hung loose in soft curls that trailed down the front of her dress.
Amanda at her side, she carried a large picnic hamper on her other side. They spent the morning cooking and trying not to get in Mrs. Derringer’s way.
She waved and smiled; few people returned her friendly greeting. Evanora was a busy little bee indeed. Emma kept her head up high, a friendly smile on her face. They were nearly to the sheriff’s office when she spotted the little bee with a group of townswomen.
She steered Amanda around them; while she wasn’t afraid, she didn’t see the need to cause more of a stir.
“Oh, look the little mouse is going to run away.”
Emma turned on her heel, a magnanimous smile on her face.
“Were you referring to me, Ms. Standhope?”
“I’m just surprised after being shared by so many savages you have the gall to show your face in town. I’d be ashamed.”
“You’d be ashamed?” Emma couldn’t help but laugh. “Let me set a few things straight. Yes, I was taken hostage by a group of outlaws. Many of you were there. They never sold me, or even touched me for that matter.”
“You expect us to believe that?”
Emma softened her voice allowing a tear, for the terror she felt, slip down her face. “By the grace of God, no one laid a hand on me. Cord rescued me and took me to my father’s side in Warren. My father was gravely wounded during my rescue.”
The women surrounding Nora muttered sympathetically. She saw the woman’s eyes narrow.
“You’re on a first name basis with the Sheriff, that’s awfully familiar, Miss Monteith.”
She blushed prettily before shifting the basket to her right arm and showing her wedding ring. A large round sapphire sat in the center of the ring. A crescent moon set in white gold cradled the sapphire. Four opals set in the moon. Small diamonds set in the crescent points and down lower on the ring where a leaf motif decorated each side.
“It is still proper to call your husband by his given name, right ladies?”
“Husband?” One of the women surrounding Nora spoke up.
“Yes, we are just back from our honeymoon.”
Suddenly the women peppered her with questions. This went on for about five minutes before Nora lost her cool.
“You are most certainly not married to my husband. Cord is mine.”
“I hate to disappoint you, but we were married in Warren the week before last. Then spent a luxurious week at the hot springs. With a private cabin and our own spring. If you will excuse me, ladies, I have lunch for my husband, and I don’t want it to get cold.”
With that she walked away and let the tongues wag as they will. A few minutes later she swept into Cord’s office. Festus, Dutch, and Cord gathered around his desk, looking over wanted posters.
Cord stood up immediately upon her entrance, taking the basket from her.
“To what do I owe the pleasure of your company?”
She smiled, kissing him on the cheek and following him back to the desk.
“I brought you lunch. May I set it out for you?”
“Me and Festus can head to the café for lunch,” Dutch said.
“Nonsense, I brought plenty.”
Emma and Amanda unpacked a lunch of fried chicken, dandelion salad with bits of bacon, potato salad, beans baked with molasses, deviled eggs, a fresh baked blueberry pie, and lavender lemonade.
“This is amazing, Em.”
“I wanted to make sure my husband is well taken care of.”
“This here chicken is the best I ever done tasted, Miss Emma.”
“Thank you, Festus. Make sure to get a nice slice of blueberry pie when you’re finished. Amanda and I are heading to the mercantile to pick up a few things for the house. Is there anything you’re in need of, love?”
Cord reached and pulled out his wallet, taking out several paper bills before offering them to Emma.
“Thank you love, I have some pin money for household essentials.”
He smiled and kissed her on the forehead. “Shall I bring the dishes back to your parents?”
“If you don’t mind? Mrs. Derringer is making a huge welcome home feast.”
Chapter 50
Emma
Determined to turn Cord’s cabin into a home as quickly as possible, she headed directly to Frank’s Mercantile with Amanda in tow. This time as she walked down the street her, smiles and waves were returned. News travels fast in a small town.
Emma opened the door, smiling at the bell’s tinkling, then froze in her tracks for a moment. Years of state dinners with her parents had a smile on her face and a spring in her step before anyone noticed.
Evanora Standhope stood in front of the counter, conversing with Jacob Frank, who looked none too pleased.
“Good morning Jacob, is Ilsa about?”
“Emma.” The bear of a man came out from behind the counter, enveloping her in a bear hug. “Mama, come see: our girl is home.”
“Your girl?” Evanora interrupted.
If Jaco
b heard, he ignored her. A few moments later Ilsa Frank came barreling out of the back room. She hugged Emma hard enough that the shorter woman picked her up off the ground.
Ilsa set her down abruptly, her eyes growing wide, she touched Emma’s stomach.
“Ock, I got carried away, mein liebchen.”
Emma’s mind whirled a million miles an hour had Nik already told his parents of their unusual marriage, the magick, and the triplets? Surely not.
“It’s good to see you, Ilsa. How are the girls?”
“They are growing. It’s good to have my Nik back.” Ilsa touched Emma’s face. “If only he could find a good girl like you.”
“You are far too kind.”
“I have the order you sent last week. I’ll have the boys load it when Nik gets back. He’ll drive you and Miss Amanda to the house.”
“I’d like to add some other things to the order as well if you don’t mind. I withdrew enough cash to pay for everything.”
“Certainly, liebchen. You and Amanda must come for tea tomorrow.”
“We’d love to.”
“Excuse me, I believe I was here first.”
Frank sighed and went back behind the counter.
“Total will be fifty dollars and thirty-five cents.”
“Just put it on my tab.”
Frank shook his head. “I’m afraid your tab is nearly two hundred dollars. You’ll need to clear that up before we can extend you any more credit.”
Nora huffed like it was all below her and she couldn’t be bothered.
“Cord will pay it, like he always does.”
“I hardly think my husband will be paying any more of your bills. Maybe you should ask Mr. Beaufort to cover your expenses.”
Nora’s eyes narrowed and her voice held an edge of anger.
“Why would I ask Mr. Beaufort to cover my expenses? I barely know the man.”
“The two of you seemed very cozy. Mrs. Jenkins told me that you chose him that night over my husband, and I’ve seen you together numerous other times.”
“Just keep the bedroom suite. I don’t need it anyway.”
“What kind of suite? May I see it?”
Jacob beamed at her. “Of course, come it’s in the back.”
Ignoring the invisible daggers being thrown at her by Nora, she followed him into the backroom.
**
Four hundred dollars later, two wagons loaded down with belongings headed toward her new home. With luck, she could get the house all set up and surprise her husband. She and Amanda worked in the house all day while Nik and two other mercantile employees unloaded and set up furniture.
They made it home just in time to freshen up and change clothes before Cord made it home. Mrs. Derringer outdid herself with a feast fit for a king. Three hours later in groups of two or three they made their way to the woods.
Wolf chose the spot and led them all to a beautiful clearing. The moon began to rise in the sky full of stars. A small fire burned in the middle of the clearing. Aponi, Wolf’s sister, tended the fire. Emma didn’t know she’d be there but didn’t question it.
If Wolf thought she needed to be here, then she did. He must have sensed her apprehension. Wolf approached her brushing a quick kiss on her temple.
Her parents, if they noticed, didn’t say anything. Her best friend only smiled. She told Amanda everything, after all that’s what best friends are for.
“Aponi’s gifts should help anchor us all during the unlocking. She wanted to be here.”
Emma looked at him questioningly. Wolf smiled at her. She gave him a quick hug and headed to speak to Aponi.
“Thank you for tending the fire. I’m glad you came.”
The younger woman stood up; her dark eyes full of sincerity. “I owe you an apology. I was wrong about you. I see how much my brother loves you. He explained the prophecy to me.”
Aponi stepped closer, giving Emma a quick hug. “Welcome, sister.”
Emma returned the hug. “I’ve always wanted a little sister.”
Nik joined them adding different wood to the fire. “That’s good, now you have three.”
“I guess I do.”
“Why do I feel like we are out of the loop?” her father asked.
“We’ll catch you up after the ceremony,” Cord replied.
Her father pulled her into a hug. “As long as my little bell is happy, that’s all that matters to either her mother, or I.”
She looked around the clearing. Amanda, her parents, Aponi, and her mates.
“I am happy. Ecstatic.
“Good. Are you ready?”
“Yes.”
“Let’s get started.”
Chapter 51
The Ceremony
Multiple POVs
Amanda helped her out of her clothes. Once naked she stood in front of her mates. Each of them using ashes mixed with water to paint symbols on her body.
Since her magick was locked away for more than two decades, the utmost care would be taken to protect her and the triplets. When the ceremony finished, she would share the complete truth with her parents, including the three children magickally impregnated in her womb.
In less than two months her entire world changed. Though giving it further thought, otherworldly events touched her entire life. Emma recounted each odd encounter in her life. Everyone could be attributed to an otherworldly happening.
She had to keep her mind preoccupied while her mates touched her naked body. None of them touched her sexually, they didn’t need to. Just being near them was enough to cause desire to flood through her veins.
Each using their own beliefs to protect her. Symbols from the lion shifters, Native Americans, and Norse beliefs now graced her skin.
When all the symbols were complete, they gathered around the circle. Everyone except Emma tossed ingredients into the fire while Wolf performed the ceremony in his native tongue. It turned out both Nik and Cord spoke and understood the same language. They helped those non-Native speakers.
Finally, her turn came. She took the sharp knife, pricking the third finger on her left hand, she squeezed three drops of blood into the flame.
As the last drop hit the flame, the flames leaped high in the air. Strong arms grabbed her, pulling her back mere seconds before flames exploded everywhere.
Emma screamed expecting to be burned alive.
“Shh, you’re all right, Em. I’ve got you, baby.” Cord whispered in her ear.
Another explosion, this time blinding white light hit them. She closed her eyes tightly against it while what sounded like a freight train passed through the clearing. Finally, an energy the likes of which she never felt blew from the center point of the fire outward.
It hit her like a ton of bricks; the energy felt suffocating. Blackness pulled her down into its hungry maw.
**
Chandler opened his eyes, pushing his body up into a sitting position. His head felt fuzzy. He shook it, trying to clear away the cobwebs.
Something wasn’t right. “Emma!”
As the word left his mouth he leapt to his feet in search of his mate. He found her at the edge of the forest, her prone form laying on top of Cord. Chandler rushed as fast as his wobbly limbs would let him.
Kneeling beside Emma, he first felt for a pulse, relieved to find it strong and steady. Then he checked each of her limbs for breaks before gently rolling her over.
The first thing he noticed was that her flat belly now protruded. His mind reeled with the possibilities. She began to stir, as did everyone else by the sounds behind him.
“Emma, love. Can you hear me?”
Green eyes slowly opened, momentarily dazed before the shock of the events hit her. Immediately, she reached for her stomach.
“My babies.”
Wolf reached her side at nearly the same moment Cord sat up. Each one reaching for their mate.
**
Wolf held up a finger, asking for silence before calling for his inner wolf. His ears still
ringing from the explosion, it took him a few moments to hear past Emma’s frantically beating heart to hear the strong flutters of three others.
“They are safe.”
He saw her visibly relax against Cord, now at her back to support her.
“I don’t understand. How?”
Her hand touching her midriff let him know the rest of the question without it being answered.
Shaking his head. “Perhaps backlash from the magick being released. Sage did say Emma’s magic was powerful. Powerful enough she chose to bind it.”
**
Phillip Monteith stood over them a mix of emotions flashing through his green eyes.
“Someone needs to explain.” He reached down, lifting his daughter up from the ground wrapping her in a jacket. “Start with why the four of you seem to be magickally bound, and don’t leave out anything.”
**
Cord stood. Scanning the area, he noticed Aponi and Sage were both moving around.
“My cabin is close by. Why don’t we gather there? The story isn’t a short one.”
**
Tears streamed down Emma’s face as Amanda and her mother helped her dress.
“What’s wrong sweetheart?” her mother asked softly.
“I missed their first kick. The first time they moved.”
**
Sage wrapped her arms around her daughter. “I know sweetie. It will be all right. I don’t know how, but somehow it will be. Maybe mamit will have an answer.”
Chapter 52
Cord
He took his wife’s hand, helping her through the woods to the cabin.
“I want to start by saying I’m not mad. I just want to know. Did you spend over four hundred dollars in the Mercantile earlier today?”
