by Delta James
Maddie blushed even though she knew the driver hadn’t overheard. “Won’t we be late?”
“My brother-in-law is no fool nor is my sister. If we are late, they will not question why. As I recall Ioan has taken longer on more than one occasion to get from Cardiff to Calon Onest, but only when my sister is with him.”
* * *
If Maddie had been concerned about meeting Griffin’s friends in Italy, she was even more so as they approached Calon Onest. They exited the airport and headed toward the western coast. As soon as he could, Griffin got off of the main freeway opting to take a longer, although far more scenic route along the coast itself.
Maddie was enchanted by the beauty of Griffin’s country of origin. It was even more beautiful than he had described. Lush, rolling hills swept up from the eastern side of the road while craggy, sandy beaches rolled away to the western side. The crashing waves were at once both soothing and exhilarating.
“Griffin, I had no idea how beautiful Wales was. It’s just… inspiring.”
Griffin chuckled. “In what way?”
“It feels wild and untamed… full of possibilities. Darby said that’s the way they felt about Bae Diogel… as though anything were possible. Are we going to name our home?”
“I had been thinking about that. What would you think about continuing to call it Bae Diogel? It means safe harbor in Welsh. Not that we would be running an institution for headstrong, naughty females but more as an homage to Skylar and the women who once called it home.”
When Maddie said nothing, Griffin glanced over at her and was surprised to see tears welling in her eyes.
“What’s wrong?” he said.
“Nothing,” she said quietly.
“Do not lie to me, cwningen bach—even if to spare my feelings.”
She shook her head. “No, truly. I’m just so grateful that we are fated mates. I am starting to forget a time when you weren’t part of my life. And the fact that you would honor what Skylar tried to build is so good and kind. I doubt it would be a popular choice amongst the other packs.”
Griffin smiled at her. “I think you might be surprised. As overbearing as we alpha males can be, all of those I met who are mated to the women from Skylar’s experiment are proud of what those women accomplished and to be their mate. Like Jean-Michel and Marco, I’m afraid you are mated to a bit of a rogue… I couldn’t give a toss what any of the Ruling Councils think. I will run our pack and take care of our people in the way I see best regardless of what they might say.”
Maddie took a deep breath. “That being said, I’m not staying in Wales.”
He shook his head. “Maddie, don’t start. You will stay where I deem it safest. You and the other women will not be where the fighting might be.”
“I will be where you are.”
“No, you will be at Calon Onest…”
“But we were to go back…”
“I know. There’s been a change in plans. We are going to need to gear up and make the first strike. The others believe, as do I, that it is safer if we are the ones who hit them before they are ready to come at us. Josh will be sending Anna to join you at Calon Onest as soon as she has the communications network and hub set up on our island. The rest of the women will be headed to Mason Daniels’ by week’s end. And as you know, Marco plans to send his people to Calon Onest within the week.”
“I won’t stay. They can’t keep me against my will.”
Griffin laughed at her. “You can’t seriously believe that? Of course, they can… and will. You won’t be the first female at Calon Onest who has been made to stay where her mate wants her to. Look on the bright side, Catherine will be there, as will Anna. And Dylan has asked Skylar if she’d rather be with Mason Daniels or here at Calon Onest. She chose Wales. So, you’ll have friends there and plenty to do with the new baby. Bethan is so looking forward to having you home.”
“Don’t patronize me, Griffin. I’m telling you I won’t do it.”
“Sweetheart, let’s not quarrel. I’d rather we spent our time at Calon Onest locked in each other’s arms, not locked in an argument you will not win. I would far prefer to leave you simply well sated and with your pussy filled with my cum. However, should I need to add a well spanked bottom to the mix, I can.”
Griffin turned the car off the main road onto a private road. He rolled to a stop at the large iron gates attached to a high stone wall. He hit the remote and the gate swung slowly open. They drove down the road until they came upon the large manor house. Maddie would have been impressed by both the architecture and the size of the place, but instead was so angry with Griffin that she could barely speak.
Griffin stopped the car and put it in park, turning to Maddie. “Do you need me to take you up to our room first thing and warm your backside?”
Maddie glared at him and realized he was dead serious. “What would your sister think?”
He grinned. “She would think I had mated myself to my equal and that you had best learn to mind me. No one, and I mean no one, will back any foolish plan you have to misbehave. And I’m telling you, should you choose to be naughty, your backside will suffer the consequences. I don’t think you’d want to be sporting a well blistered bottom when I knot and tie you to me this night.”
“You wouldn’t spank me at someone else’s home,” she said, becoming annoyed with him.
Griffin laughed. “Think not? Where did I spank you before? We don’t have our own home, and yet I recall putting you over my knee on more than one occasion. Care to test that theory with me this afternoon?”
Maddie said nothing.
“I didn’t think so. Behave yourself.” He leaned over and kissed her. “I know you’re stressed and I know you’re upset with my decision, but the decision is made and I’ll not brook any further argument on the matter.”
They got out of the car and Griffin was greeted by a woman who could only be his sister as well as the man that from Griffin’s description had to be Ioan.
“Bethan, Ioan, let me introduce to you my beautiful mate, Madeline. Maddie, my sister Bethan and the man who puts up with her, Ioan.”
Bethan slapped at her little brother with great affection. “Maddie, we’re so glad to meet you and so glad you’re here. Good lord, girl, I thought he was never going to find you.”
Maddie smiled. “It’s good to meet you too. Your brother is an ass.”
Griffin growled and Bethan laughed.
“My brother is an alpha. They’re all asses.” Bethan turned to Griffin. “Skylar was right, she’s going to fit right in.”
Chapter Twenty-Three
Maddie was introduced to her niece and nephew who wanted to hear all about America and where their uncle would be living. They were disappointed to hear that his territory would be so far away but gladdened when he invited them to visit during school holidays. Bethan walked with her into the house while Griffin and Ioan got their bags and followed behind.
“You’ll be in what has always been Griff’s room. When I heard you were coming I refreshed some of the decorating so it wasn’t Special Ops Chic. I tried to make it a bit more comfortable. You must, of course, redo anything you like. I know you will be living in America but I hope you’ll visit at least annually and this will always be Griffin’s original home.”
Maddie could see the sadness in her eyes. “I’m sorry we’re not going to be closer.”
“Don’t be,” said Bethan. “Ioan has always said he felt Griffin would never settle here or even in the UK. And I really am so happy he found you. I can tell you’ve already brought so much light into his life.”
“As he has to mine,” Maddie said, trying to reassure his sister.
“I spoke with Skylar. She said there’s been a small change in plans. She and the women and children of Calon Gwyllt and the DeMedici pack as well as your Anna are coming here. A couple of the other European packs are sending their women and children into Spain. Dylan thought Skylar might be more comfortable here and we have m
ore room.”
“I won’t be staying,” Maddie said quietly.
“I know you don’t want to, but you will. Ioan has promised Dylan, Griffin, and Marco that if need be, he will open the west tower to give each of you large, secure apartments. I know you are new to being our kind, but Ioan will fulfill his vow to your mates to keep you safe. And each of them will turn over your care to him completely.”
“What the hell does that mean?” asked Maddie.
Griffin had caught up with them and put his hand in the small of her back as he nuzzled her neck. “It means, cwningen bach, that should the need arise, you may well find yourself feeling the sting of Ioan’s palm or strap should he feel you need it.”
Bethan giggled. “I assure you my mate prays that it won’t be necessary. He has no wish to chastise anyone but me.”
“That’s because you won’t try to scratch his eyes out. We’ve asked no easy thing of him, Bethan. Skylar, Catherine, and Maddie will not be happy when they are left behind.”
“I am going with you,” Maddie said stubbornly.
Griffin nuzzled her again and choose to growl seductively at her rather than with any real show of annoyance. “You’ll stay where I know you are safe.”
Bethan intervened. “Let’s not have the two of you arguing. Griffin will be here for a few days and the four of us can talk it out.”
“Actually, Bethan, I need to talk to Griffin. I just got off the phone with Dylan and Marco, the timetable has been moved up,” said Ioan. “Ladies, if you’ll excuse us.”
Griffin kissed Maddie’s cheek and left with Ioan.
“Grrrr. I swear if he tries to pat me on my head and send me to do needlepoint, I’m going to kill him,” bristled Maddie.
Bethan surprised her by laughing. “Oh, good lord, what has my poor little brother gotten himself into. You’re as feisty as Catherine and Skylar. Come on, let’s get you unpacked and settled in. Then we’ll go downstairs and have some tea.”
“Bethan,” Maddie started.
Bethan patted her arm. “Now there’s nothing that a good cup of tea won’t fix.”
* * *
Griffin and Ioan entered Ioan’s study.
“Why the rush? Has something happened?”
Ioan nodded solemnly. “I’m afraid so. A small, what we think was a recon force, tried to come up through New Orleans. That rogue, Gautier, had his people on full alert and they were able to catch the whole lot of them. They persuaded one of them to give up the plan. The full-scale attack is planned for the end of next week. If we’re going to make a preemptive strike, it has to be now.”
“Then I should head back to Marco’s villa.”
“Soon enough. Marco has rented planes and has his wife, their new baby, and the rest of his women and children on their way to us. The pilot’s instructions are to fly you back. I think they should be here tomorrow. Dylan has Skylar and the women and children of Calon Gwyllt in route to us as we speak.”
Griffin nodded.
“I have to tell you, both Dylan and Marco said I should have the tower prepared; neither of their ladies is happy about this and neither feels his mate should be trusted. Both wanted them kept under full guard. The rest of the women and children would be fine, but both needed to know their mates would be safe. So, I ask you, should I have a third suite prepared in the tower for your Maddie?”
Griffin couldn’t help but smile. “I fear so. And even if I thought she might behave, which I don’t, she’s fond of both of them and would actively work to see them freed. No, I think the best bet is to keep them in the tower. God, that sounds ominous, doesn’t it?”
Ioan laughed and nodded. “That’s what I thought from your description. I took the liberty of initiating having three suites with full guards prepared. We will keep your lady safe. What about your Anna? As I understand it, Dylan is sending her with his people.”
“I think Anna needs to be able to function and set up and monitor the network. She’s a very sweet thing, I don’t think she’ll be a problem. How’s my sister going to feel about you locking the three of them and the baby up in the tower?”
“Oh, she was none too happy about it. I fear before it’s over, she may well have to be disciplined for it.”
“I’m sorry.”
“No need. Bethan is a grown woman and in her head she knows this is the right thing. But you know she’s always been a great admirer of Skylar’s and is a huge fan of your mate’s books.”
Griffin chuckled. “You know, Ioan, I do believe it may be safer to be on the front line in a fight with those Eastern European packs than here at Calon Onest. All I can say is that we’ll stand the cost for the restoration of anything the three of them destroy.”
Ioan laughed and then realized Griffin, despite his light delivery, was very serious. “Do you really think it’ll be that bad?”
Griffin nodded. “I do. I’d keep a man outside each door, a man roaming the interior, two men at the door into the tower and four to five roaming outside of it. And for the love of God, keep those three apart.”
Ioan chuckled. “I think the three of you are giving them far more credit and making them out to be far naughtier than they are, but I will honor your requests.”
Griffin shook his head. “And I think you have been happily mated to my sweet sister, Bethan, too long. Have your forgotten what a hellion Skylar can be? And I’m telling you Catherine and Maddie can be just as bad if not worse.”
“Marco didn’t sound like he thought it would be for an inordinate amount of time. What do you think?”
“If our intel is good, and I think it is, and we’re able to hit them hard enough, this could be over in a matter of a week. At least that’s the plan. There’ll be a lot of clean-up to do, but the main purpose of the first strike is to break them apart before they ever get fully organized.”
Ioan nodded again and stood up. “Well, let’s go join the rest of the pack. Will you tell Maddie tonight that you’ll be leaving tomorrow?”
Griffin chuckled. “Yes, my plan was to enjoy my mate’s sensual nature tonight and once I have her tied to me and exhausted to give her the news.”
Ioan chuckled as well. “You don’t play fair, Griffin.”
“Nay, but I think it’s the best way to handle her. Depending on how she reacts, I may have to escort her to the tower and have a little talk with her before I leave.”
“’Tis never good to part when they’re still nursing a blistered bottom.”
“If all I have to do is blister it, I’ll count myself lucky. I may well have to welt my mate before I leave in order to impress upon her the importance of obeying me and behaving while I’m gone.”
Ioan laughed out loud. “You have far more of your older brother in you than many realize.”
“I take that as a compliment.”
“Good,” said Ioan, clapping him on the shoulder, “it was meant to be.”
* * *
Ioan and Griffin joined a small reception that Bethan had put together to celebrate her brother’s pairing with the beautiful American novelist. Maddie was a bit taken aback, in a good way, by the number of women in the Calon Onest pack who were avid readers of her work.
Griffin wrapped his arm around her waist and nuzzled the top of her head before pressing a kiss to it.
“I’m not staying,” said Maddie under her breath.
“I don’t wish to argue with you,” Griffin returned. He dropped his mouth by her ear and whispered, “Do you really want to try being knotted right after a spanking?”
She looked up at him. He had a smile pasted on his face, but his eyes told her he was dead serious.
They spent the remainder of the afternoon and evening with the Calon Onest pack. Maddie found it easy to imagine Griffin growing up here and Skylar being its mistress. She was regaled with tales of Griffin’s antics as a boy and their fear for him when he had joined the covert operations unit. The entire pack made her feel welcome and as though she’d known them for years.
>
The only exception was one of the unmated females in the pack, Ava. It didn’t take heightened wolf senses to know that Ava was none too happy about Griffin having found his fated mate. Maddie thought to herself that if looks could kill, Ava would have taken her out with the first glance.
Griffin made their excuses soon after dinner was served, saying they were both tired from their travels. Everyone laughed and wished them well as they went up the main staircase to their room.
“From the sound of that laughter, I don’t think they believe you are tired.”
He chuckled. “I fear the tales of my misspent youth are grossly exaggerated. They all like to think they know and that I was tomcatting around. But they have no way of knowing anything as Micah taught me you never fool around with the women in your pack. It can lead to bad blood.”
“Never? The daggers Ava was shooting me didn’t look like never.”
Griffin sighed. “That would be the example that proves the rule. Ava and I have known each other forever. We fooled around when we were very, very, very young. Then one night when I’d come home, exhausted, weary to the bone of the horrors I’d seen, horny and a more than a little drunk, I knotted her, but as a wolf.”
“What does that mean?”
“That when we were both in wolf form that we had sex and I knotted her. It doesn’t have the same meaning or feel nearly as good as when it’s done in human form. It was a mistake, it happened one time, and I’ve regretted it ever since.”
“Does Ava know that?” Maddie asked quietly.
“Yes, and I’ve apologized to her several times. The only reason I’m telling you is that I want no secrets between us.”
“You may have told her, but I don’t think she’s taken it to heart.”
“I fear you may be right. But it isn’t me she wants, it’s to be mistress of Calon Onest.”
