One day soon, though, Edward would make sure he took the time to gather all the information he needed. He would provide whatever they needed to survive. A symbiotic relationship is what they would have.
The house swayed. His acceptance and thanks had been accepted. He stood and left the room, closing the door behind him. The next few months would be would be hard on all of them, but knowing that their woman would have the extra protection eased the worry somewhat.
He headed up the stairs as the house locked the downstairs up and he walked through the kitchen to the hallway.
“It has been done. I’ll meet you at the castle.” Avril turned to leave, but Edward placed his hand on his shoulder and squeezed.
“Thank you Avril, you’ve proven yourself to me again.” He nodded and Beth frowned at him.
“Don’t think you’re getting him back. He’s my assistant.” She stepped in front of him and Avril grinned before leaving the house.
“Really, you’ve become that attached to him? Maybe I should have a word with him when we get back to the castle?” he picked her up and swung her over his shoulder. “Grab her bags. Dred and Rock make sure…oh never mind.” He was about to say make sure the house was locked, but it was closing the door as he pushed his Little Witch into the limo.
He glanced up at the house and watched as shutters were shut and some kind of shield was placed around the entire outside. Edward knew others wouldn’t be able to see it, but since he was connected to it and everything around it, he now saw things that no one else did.
“Come on. You’re going to be late for your own meeting,” Beth said and pulled him down into the limo. She crawled onto his lap as soon as he was seated.
“Something happened downstairs, didn’t it?” she asked when Dred and Rock climbed in to join them.
“I don’t know what yet, but I was told the castle would be protected too. So we’ll all find out when we get there.”
***
Before they even pulled onto the road to the castle, Beth knew something was wrong. Her stomach ached and she couldn’t stop the tears from flowing. “He’s been here. There’s death.” She turned away from the window and buried her face in Edward’s shirt.
“How do you…” His words died and she looked out to see Nora’s oldest brother’s body cut in half, hanging from a tree limb.
“Wayne, why would she kill her own brother?” her body started to shake and Edward wrapped his arms around her as Dred and Rock both scooted up and started to caress her, their touch comforting her as some of Edward’s men worked to cut the man down.
“We’ll bury him…” Edward started to say, but she jerked her head up.
“No, he has to be buried outside the walls. Not inside. Brian could have planted something inside his body. You must inform all your men that nothing that is dead be brought in the castle. I’ve seen him put enchantments on dead things as a way to get inside where he wants to be.”
The limo stopped and Edward rolled the window down as one of the men came over. Edward explained what needed to be done and the man nodded. “I’ll inform the others to watch. Thank you Sir. My Queen.”
She would never get used to the title, but the respect the man had in his eyes eased some of the discomfort.
“They’ll bury him in the old cemetery just outside of town. It sits behind our property, but it is also protected. Nothing will disturb his rest there,” Edward said and kissed the top of her head as the limo once again pushed forward toward the inner grounds.
“I am surprised he didn’t put the body closer…” That is when she felt it. The warm sensation as soon as they drove over the small bridge and up to the road to the inner sanctum. “How did they? Wow, they are powerful. No wonder Brian wants them.” Dred and Rock nodded, but Edward said nothing.
“You knew they would be here, didn’t you?” she asked, and he nodded.
“I don’t know how, and right now, I don’t want to know. I’m just grateful for their help. It will ease my worry about you when the whole place will be in an uproar,” he said, staring outside as they pulled into the inner grounds and around to the front of the castle.
Over twenty guards stood waiting, along with Edward’s personal assembly as she liked to call it, but it was the group to their right that she had never seen. “Who are those men?” She pointed.
“Our cousins, the rest of the family will be arriving later tonight,” Dred said, stepping out of the limo first when they came to a stop.
“What? Why are they coming here? Dred…damn it, answer me.” She went to jump out of the limo, but Edward held onto her.
“Calm down. You knew you’d be meeting our families eventually, so why are you so nervous?” Edward held her head between his hands, looking into her eyes.
“I’m not ready. I’m not used to people Edward. What if they don’t like me?” Her damn bottom lip started to tremble and she gripped his shirt tight.
“Little Witch, our family is going to love you because you are part of us. They don’t care if you have purple hair or big zits on your ass. They just want each of us happy.” He kept a straight face, but she burst out laughing.
“Big zits on my ass? I’ll have to think of the purple hair though,” she hugged him tight. “Thank you. I’ll be okay.” She turned and took Dred’s hand.
Standing outside, Beth looked into Dred’s face. “I’m sorry I acted out. I can’t wait to meet your family. I’m just nervous.” She stepped into his arms and hugged him.
“Not to worry, my mate. Come, let me introduce you to my cousins while Edward speaks to his men,” Dred slid his arm around her waist as Rock stepped next to her and tapped her nose. “No matter what we love you, just remember you belong to us.”
Oh, she knew everyone had heard her freaking out, but she was bound to make Dred and Rock proud of her. She would not mess this up. Putting on a big smile, she patted her head to make sure her hair was not sticking up.
“You look fine, but you’d look better naked,” Dred said and took her hand and kissed it. “Christopher, Alex, Mango, Greg, I’d like you to meet our mate, Beth Roman, soon to be, Beth Nester-Vanderson III.”
“Really? Since when?” She looked up at him.
All six men laughed and Dred smacked her butt. “What do you think we were doing while you were held in that spell? We were discussing many things.”
“Hello, it’s nice to meet you all.” She reached out to shake hands with the first man Christopher, but he took her hand in his and yanked her out of Dred’s arms, hugging her tight.
“Welcome to the family, cuz.” His hands slid down her back, but before they could reach her ass, a single snarl filled the night air and everyone turned to see Edward strolling towards them.
His eyes were almost red. “Touch her ass and I’ll break your fingers.” He held out his hand and glared at Dred. “Speak with your family. Come here, Beth.”
She stepped back and put her hand into his. “Edward, it was done as a joke I’m sure.” But as soon as Beth stepped into his arms, Dred attacked Christopher.
“You know better. What the hell is wrong with you?” He growled and threw his fist into the man’s face.
She tried to run to separate them, but Edward picked her up and held her. “No, your man will take care of this. Now come, I believe Avril is waiting for you in the kitchen. Something about going over wedding plans?” He teased her, placing a quick kiss on her lips.
Edward lowering her in the grand hallway. He smacked her ass. “Go on, get. I’ll talk to you soon.”
“What, I get to walk through the halls alone?” She laughed when he snarled and chased her halfway down the hallway.
“Behave Little Witch or you’ll pay later,” he yelled down the hall and she laughed, turning the corner towards the hall to the main kitchen.
“Well, look who is alone. If it isn’t the Queen herself?” a female voice said behind her, making her moan. She would have to run into the one person who just loved to give her hell, Edw
ards’s sister, Anna.
“What do you want, Anna? I’m busy right now. If you haven’t noticed, we have a major problem.” Beth turned and glared at the woman.
“We wouldn’t have these problems if you’d just disappear,” she sneered.
“You know something. I’ve waited for you to come around, biting my tongue half the time, but no more. Back off bitch or I’ll personally zip that mouth of yours,” Beth snapped and turned to leave, but Anna would not stop.
“Like you have…” That was the last words she spoke as Beth cast her spell. Peeking over her shoulder she laughed as Anna tried to talk but nothing came out.
“Have a nice day, Anna.” She grinned and made her way to the kitchen.
Chapter Nine
Edward was furious. Sitting in his Wondering Room, drawing out plans for their attack, his sister storms into the room waving her hands in the air, her face beet red, but no words came out of her mouth. Only one person would do this, his Little Witch, and when he gets ahold of her ass it would be as red as his sister’s face.
Her laughter reached him first, as he pushed into the kitchen, Anna behind him. She held a piece of paper to her chest and danced around. “It’s perfect Avril! I can’t wait to get started making it. They’ll love it.” She turned. Seeing him her smile grew larger until she saw his sister behind him.
If he didn’t know any better, Edward would have sworn the temperature in the room had dropped. “The spell will wear off later tonight.” Beth folded the paper and looked back at Avril. “If I make a list, can you get the materials I want to make the dress?” She ignored them both, which only increased his anger.
Not one to be ignored, he released his sister’s hand and stepped up to Beth. “Reverse it now. She came storming in while we were in the middle of our meeting. I don’t need this distraction, Beth.”
His Little Witch glanced at him, then at his sister. “She’s not a distraction anymore, she can’t say anything. Lock her in her room, tell her to go to bed, by the time she wakes up, the spell will be off.” Beth stepped to the side and stared right at her. “If she ever tells me to leave you or that I’m at fault for the attack, I’ll do it again. I’m sick of tippy-toeing around her. If she can’t accept me, too freaking bad. I’m done trying to go out of my way for her.”
“She what?” As he turned on his sister, she stepped back, knowing he was pissed. “I broke my meeting for this shit! Go to your room now. If I even see you tonight, I’ll lock your ass in your room for a year.” He watched her run out of the kitchen and took a deep breath before turning.
Stepping up to him, Beth kissed his chest. “I’m sorry, Edward. I tried to walk away from her, but she just would not stop. I’ve tried everything to get through to her, but she just hates me. Go on, I’ll make sure no one disturbs you again.” She looked behind him and he knew Dred had come into the room.
He reached up and cupped her cheek. “I’m sorry Beth. I’ll have a talk with her tomorrow. I’d hoped she’d come to her senses. So, what was that paper you were dancing around with?” He reached around and tried to snatch what she held in her hand, but she jumped out of his arms, shaking her head.
“Oh no! That was a picture of the dress I’m going to make for our wedding and you are not going to see it till I’m wearing it.” She laughed and danced away from him when he tried again to get it. “Go back to your meeting and take that tray of food behind you. I have things to do to.” She waved him away with her hands and he smiled.
Capturing one of her hands, he yanked her into his chest. “Fine, Avril make sure she gets whatever she needs for the dress. You can set her up in the blue room next to our bedroom. She won’t be disturbed and it has great light.” He nipped her nose. “I still can’t believe you’re standing here in my arms. I thought for sure you’d never wake up.” He hugged her tight, just needing her in his arms. “Give me two hours and we’ll all meet up in our personal quarters.” He stepped back and brushed a single strand of her hair out of her face.
“That’s okay. I can set up everything in my office.” He placed his fingers on her mouth.
“I want you to use the room off the blue room for your office from now on. I don’t like the idea of you all the way on the other side of the castle. At least in our own private quarters I know you’ll be safe. Avril, Dred why don’t you two help her move while I finish up?” Edward grabbed the plate of food.
“Oh, and your aunts are staying in the set of rooms next to ours. I don’t want them out there with the threat so great. I have my men gathering up the rest of your family too. Dred, you put your cousins and your family in the West wing?” He asked as he turned to push through the door.
“Rock is showing our cousins around now. The rest of the family won’t be in till late. My parents would like to have lunch with all of us when they arrive. Is that going to be a problem?” Dred leaned against the counter next to Beth and pulled her into his arms, hugging her.
“No, that will be perfect. Most of my meetings will be in the evening. Did you get ahold of the National Pack?” Edward asked.
“Yes, and it’s not good.” Dred kissed the side of Beth’s face. “I’ll be right back, let me inform everyone what I’ve learned and we’ll get you all packed up.”
Edward moved to follow Dred out of the room. He said nothing until they were out of Beth’s hearing range. “Well, what’s wrong?”
Looking back over his shoulders, Dred shook his head. “It’s not good. I finally got hold of the National Alpha. Well, he got hold of me after some tag phone. Anyway, it seems the attacks are being coordinated around the US and Europe. Brian is not the only one we have to worry about. Stephen Magus, the National leader is on his way here. He’d like to coordinate with you.” They stopped before the doors to Wondering Hall.
“Not only is Stephen bringing his men, but you have the council elders of Wizards coming here, along with Mistress Selene of the Witches. From what I have heard, they all think that the final bonding, wedding, will calm everyone.”
The door opened and he waved everyone into their seats. “Dred here informs me we are about to have guests. Stephen Magus and many from his National Pack will be here soon along with the Council Elders of Wizards and Mistress Selene with her council. I want to know why our bonding is so important. I’ve read the scrolls and I can understand that the three different species joining will bring a stronger front to our world, but I’m missing something here. Any ideas?” Edward leaned on the table at the members of his personal assemble. Over thirty of the smartest men sat at this table.
Papers fluttered on the table as a soft breeze flowed around the room. At once everyone rose from their chairs to kneel before his father. He shook his head and laughed. “You do love an entrance, don’t you?” Edward turned to see his Father and Mother behind him, smiling. “I thought the both of you were resting?”
His mother snorted and hugged him tight. “I’m tired of sleeping. We’ve missed you meeting your woman and we should have been here when she was attacked. For that, I’m truly sorry.” She stepped back and patted his cheek, staring up at him. “There’s calmness in you now that wasn’t there before.”
Not to be ignored, his father pulled him into his arms and hugged him. “Your Mother is right. We should have been here for you, but we’re here now and I might have an idea what all this is about,” he said for all to hear.
The side doors banged open. “Sorry to interrupt, but you cannot keep this meeting going without eating and I thought you should know we have company,” Beth announced. Rock stood next to her with his arm around her waist as plates of food floated into the room and settled on the massive table.
She glanced around and noticed the men on the floor. “Did we interrupt something big?” Beth’s gaze met Edward’s and then flew to his parents. “Oh my…Why didn’t you…”
Before Beth could say anything, his mother stepped over to her and hugged her tight. “It’s such an honor to meet you, daughter. I can’t tell you ho
w many years I’ve been waiting for Edward to find his woman. Now you can call me Mom or Faith. It’s up to you. And you must be his other mate.” She turned to Rock and hugged him. “You do look like your brother. Both of you are welcome to our family. Now, why don’t we go and chat? We can get acquainted while the men speak.”
“Not before I get to hug her, you don’t.” His father moved to his Mom’s side and pulled a very stunned Beth into his arms. “Relax, daughter, I’m not going to bite. That would be for my son to do. And please call me Dad.” He stepped back and kissed the top of her head. “You are beautiful and I’d like to personally apologize for our daughter. I will take care of the problem tonight, rest assured.”
Shaking his head, Edward and Dred joined his parents as the men around them stood and started to dig into the food. “I’m sorry Little Witch. If I’d known they were going to appear, I would have told you.” He placed her in front of him, resting his chin on the top of her head. “We are going to have a full house soon Beth. Not only are my parents here now, but many others will be coming. The castle and all the grounds around will be filled.”
“What? You told me the castle holds…Edward that means over a thousand people will be here?” she squeaked and he smiled.
“Yes, but you are not to worry about them. We have staff that will take care of them. Go with Mom and Avril. I’m sure Mom would love to help with the wedding.”
“I’ll tag along with the women just in case they need something.” Rock announced. “You and my brother can fill me in later?”
Edward nodded and he was about to step away when Beth grabbed his arm. “As I was saying, we have guests coming and they are not planned ones.”
The room grew quiet. His men stopped eating and turned to her as he did. “Who’s coming, Beth?”
Her eyes twinkled with mirth as she nodded and looked around the room. “Don’t you feel them? They are very close and they will help you.”
“Beth, I don’t have time for riddles,” he snapped and in an instant later regretted it, seeing the hurt flash across her face.
Weddings Bells Times Four Page 7
