“We’re on our way and I swear I’m locking you up in one of the towers!” Edward said.
“Deception, what do you mean by Grandfather? Wasn’t he with Lucas?” Beth was really starting to get a very, very bad feeling. “Why does everything happen to me? I just wanted to be normal?” She backed away slowly as something jumped out of the ground and shook.
Almost a carbon copy of Deception turned and faced them. The only difference was that he was red with brown and a little bit larger. The thing looked all around him, before turning to Deception. She knew they were speaking, but Beth heard nothing.
The gargoyles formed a complete circle around her as another being rose up out of the dirt to stand next to the creature. This being stood over seven feet tall and his fangs were almost down to his chin.
“They’re so going to kill me,” she mumbled as Edward, Dred and Rock stepped into the maze followed by Simon and Isaac and half of Edward’s guard.
The guards, Simon, Isaac, Edward and even Rock and Dred all dropped to their knees and bowed their heads to the man before them. “You should bow. It’s Lucas.” Edward said to her and she frowned.
“Sorry, but don’t I know a Lucas and you are doing it fine.”
She took a deep breath and pushed through the gargoyle guards, holding out her hand. “Hi, I’m Beth Roman, soon to be Vanderson. Welcome back to the living.” The man glanced down at Deception’s grandfather leaving her standing there, but not for long. Deception bumped into her and she smiled down at him, resting her hand on his head.
“I guess I shouldn’t have been so forward?” She asked.
“He does not know your language and is learning it right now. He believes you are either very brave or stupid.”
She laughed. “I’ve been called both, but I can imagine waking up on a different planet can be a little disturbing. I just wanted to be friendly. Tell him I apologize if I’ve offended him.” Beth turned and smiled up at Edward.
“I’m going to go see Lancelot and have him add another couple of settings for dinner. I have a feeling we will be having more guests since Lucas is awake.” She looked over her shoulder at the man. “I know this world is so much different from what you are used to, but everyone should have a family to sit around the table with. Please join ours. It would be an honor to have you.” She bowed her head, before reaching up and planting a small kiss on Edwards’s cheek. “See you in a few. Deception, you coming?”
Before leaving, Beth stopped in front of Dred. “We’ll talk tonight, but I love you.” She reached up and cupped his cheek. “I’ll make sure your pack is settled in and have everything they need for tonight since I believe you will be busy with Edward.”
Smiling, Beth left the maze with Deception following close to her.
“You have every one of your men, the guards, not to mention Lucas, one of the most feared men around, all staring at you wondering what world you came from. You did that on purpose, didn’t you?”
Beth laughed as they came out of the maze and headed over to where most of Dred’s pack was. “Of course, I always believe it wise to keep any and all men guessing. But when it came to Lucas, I did feel sorry for him. The thought of waking up after 5000 years…” She shivered. “It just makes my stomach knot up. To lose all those you were close to, to wake up on a world he had no idea existed and knowing that those around you are scared out of their minds around you… That is some pretty heavy stuff. So if I can help in any way to make this man’s first day an enjoyable one instead of a difficult one, I’ll be happy.”
“This man could kill you where you stood.” Deception reminded her and she shrugged.
“True, so what difference does it make if I want to invite him to dinner? If he wants to kill us, he will and there is nothing I can do about it. Maybe he’ll take over the leadership once more. We’ll just have to wait and see. Now, are you going to tell me what your grandfather said?” She stopped and looked down at her companion.
“I think even my sire’s sire was stunned at your behavior, but he did like you. Any of our kind can look into a being and see the soul of that individual and yours is like that of a burning star. Grandfather could see this and was happy I have an individual like you.”
Her face heated, Beth knelt down and stared into Deception’s eyes. “Thank you. You do me honor of being here for me. Please, if at any time I offend you in any manner, let me know. Maybe when things settle down around here you can show me a little of your world.” She sighed and looked out over the hill at the Dred’s pack as they went about collecting wood and such for the big bon fire they would have tonight. “They’ll go running tonight with Dred and Rock with them.”
“You wish to be like them? You are already like your one man and he can change, maybe you can too?”
“What? Edward can change?” Beth slapped her forehead and rolled her eyes as she stood. “God, am I stupid sometimes. Okay, let’s see if I can do this.” She took a deep breath and released the magic inside her and brought up the image of the wolf.
With deep cleansing breaths, Beth closed her eyes, concentrating only on the wolf she wanted to become. One bone snapped and she almost lost the image, but with determination, Beth relaxed allowing the shift. With each snap and fur replacing skin, Beth slowly opened her eyes to a whole new world. It hurt like hell, but she did it.
“I did it, Deception won’t they be surprised!” She turned to look back at Deception, but also noticed Dred and Rock standing there looking furious again. “Great, now what the hell did I do to anger them?”
“There is a ceremony for the first time someone shifts. I was hoping we could have done it tonight,” Dred stated.
Turning around to face them, Beth called back on her powers and shifted. “You know something…” she took a deep breath all of a sudden a little weak.
They stepped forward, but Beth shook her head. “No, don’t touch me. I try and do something for the both of you and what do I get? An attitude. Well fuck you both. I was willing to put this morning behind us, but now the both you can sleep with your pack because I’m done trying to please you.” She spun around and ran down the hill, but was stopped by Dred lifting her and holding her in his arms.
“Stop! Please,” Dred squeezed her tight, stopping her struggles around them his pack started to turn to see what the commotion was about. He took a deep breath and looked into her face. “You’re right and I thank you for thinking of us. There is so much about pack life you don’t know and we were wrong not to inform you of the important things. Would you do us the honors and join us tonight for the hunt and run?”
She looked from him to Rock. “Why? Are you going to punish me again?” Beth had to hold back the moan as the thought of him using her again like that. Never in her life had she come so many times at once.
Leaning down and nipping on her nose, Dred grinned from ear to ear. “We all know you loved it, but no. We just want the Alpha female there with us to lead the hunt. I was hoping Edward would come too, but since Lucas is here…”
“Invite Lucas too. If Edward and I can shift, you know he can. I’m sure it would do him good to be out in the air just to have some fun.” Beth stated leaning her head on his chest. “I know if I just woke up, I’d be grateful for anything normal.”
“You think of the strangest things. Do you really believe he’ll come for dinner or a run? I’m sure he wants to get back to his planet, but…” He stopped her from saying anything. “I will ask if he shows up for dinner.” He kissed her lips, slowly lowering her to the ground. “I’ll see to the pack, but thank you for offering. Why don’t you go talk to Lancelot and find Avril. I think he has a few questions about the wedding for you.” He cupped her face in his hands. “I’m sorry Beth, about earlier. We both thought the other one had explained a few things to you about pack hierarchy. We will set aside time tomorrow to do just that.”
“Good, because I really don’t like looking like a fool in front of your pack. I really didn’t know what I was doing,
Dred.” They both kissed her and pushed her towards the castle. “Oh, and we left our measurements on the dresser for the tuxes,” Rock yelled as she glanced over her shoulder.
“Like I hadn’t already given their measurements to the place, I swear sometimes I wonder how any of them got things done. Deception, do you think Lucas would like to take a look at the vault downstairs? I mean most of the things are his.” She opened the door and jumped, staring right at Lucas.
Chapter Sixteen
“I’m sorry I didn’t mean to frighten you. I was wondering if you would explain a few things to me.” He waved his hand behind him. “I’m afraid your man Edward is busy with others trying to figure out why I’ve woken and if I’m a threat.”
She cocked her head to the side. “Are you a threat to us?” Beth stepped around him into the castle. “If you don’t mind, I need to see to dinner?”
He nodded and walked next to her. “No, I am no threat to you and yours, but I was wakened and I’ve been trying to figure out who did this.”
“There could be a couple possibilities that I know of, but I’m not the one who has all the facts. There is Elephant dick who Simon calls Pollux, my brother and his goons or the number of others who want me dead. Most likely they are hoping you’ll take over and kill me.” Beth pushed into the kitchen and laughed as Lancelot whipped around at the same time. She saw he was making a cake.
Needless to say the cake batter fell to the floor. “I’m so sorry, Beth, Sir.” Lancelot bowed and Beth rolled her eyes.
“Get up already and relax. If he wanted you dead, he’d do it already. I wanted to let you know Lucas and…”She turned to Lucas. “How many others showed up, do you know?”
“At least ten that I know of,” Lucas said frowning as he took a seat at the counter next to her. “Why do all these people want you dead?”
“Thanks,” Beth moaned, as Lancelot handed her cup of coffee. She took a sip. “Damn this is good. It’s pumpkin spice, isn’t it?” She handed it to Lucas. “Take a sip. One of the benefits of our world, but watch, it’s hot.” Beth watched as the old man took a small sip.
His eyes grew large and he licked his lips. “This is amazing. Do you mind?” He held up the cup and she shook her head as Lancelot handed her another cup and sat down with them. “No, go ahead. If I know my friend here, he most likely has a big pot of the stuff. He knows I love my coffee. As to your question why does everyone want me dead, well a few different reasons.” She took a sip and leaned back in her chair knowing Edward was coming down the hall with others.
“My brother has always wanted my powers, jealously is one of a number of issues for him. As for the others, it could be a number of things: the prophecy, the fact we’d join the races into one smorgasbord, but the others can explain that part better.” Beth smiled at Edward as he wrapped his arms around her.
“You have fed, right?” She asked Lucas, looking at him again and he nodded. “Good. So how are things going with your meetings? Are you going to be done before dinner?”
“Yes, but you haven’t fed have you?” Edward lifted her up into his arms, setting her cup down. “If you’ll excuse us for a minute.” Edward took her out into the hallway and pushed her up against the wall. “What are you doing with Lucas?” Her man asked as he opened his shirt.
She laughed and kissed his chest. “You’re jealous? Oh please, he’s just seeking some answers.” Beth sank her teeth into his skin. It was still awkward for her to feed, but with his help the blood flowed into her. It was like a rush of energy entering into her body, recharging every cell.
“I just don’t understand why he does not ask us? A number of the old ones have woken to help with his transition.” He kissed the side of her neck.
“There is your answer right there. I mean, come on, Edward, he’s not a puppy. Give him some space to relax. Drop all the formal crap for a while. Let him enjoy dinner with us. Later you all can talk about your wars and such.” She patted his chest. “Now come on and have some coffee with us for a little bit.”
As she dragged Edward back into the kitchen, Lucas turned and smiled at them both. “Your mate is a very wise woman. I got tired of hearing the council always blowing hot air in my ear. It was one of the reasons I went to sleep. That and one gets tired of ruling alone. You are very lucky.”
“I am very lucky, the three of us are. Please, relax. What can I tell you or would you like a…” He held out his wrist. “It might help and then I can answer anything you don’t understand?”
“See I would have never thought of that, jeez where is my brain today?” Beth shook her head as Edward pulled her onto his lap while he waited for Lucas to decide if he wanted the blood bond.
“You do realize I would have a link to you, that I could use that against you?” Lucas asked him and Edward shrugged.
“As my wonderful woman has said, you could kill us without the blood link . We have to start somewhere with trust and my woman is an excellent judge of character.” Edward kissed her cheek.
“You’re just saying that because you want some tonight.” She looked up and nipped his chin.
Both men laughed before Lucas took his wrist and drank from him. The whole time he stared at her. Lifting his head, Lucas sealed two holes. “Thank you, there is much to go through and Edward, there is no reason to worry. I would never kill or hurt your woman. She has gone out of her way to include me, make me feel welcome. For that alone, she has my protection.”
Her smile fell as she wiggled out of Edward’s lap sniffing the air. “I don’t know how, but they’re here.” She looked at Edward. “Brian and Alzono, it’s like they’ve joined forces. Can you smell the pipe?” Beth walked around the room to a window and looked outside.
“They’re seeking information.” Beth turned and looked at Lucas. “They know you’re awake and want to know what’s going on in here. I sense a little fear, but they are excited too, like they know something.”
He stood and moved next to her as Edward took her other side. “They sense the shadows in me. When I sealed myself in my resting place the shadows were close to taking over. With no one to keep the darkness back, like you do with Edward, it was harder and harder to keep a level head. That is one of the reasons I sought you when the others were talking. You keep the shadows away.”
“I have to inform the guards,” Edward looked from her to Lucas, torn.
"Tell them to wear the shields I charmed. It will save them from magical attacks,” Beth said, placing a kiss on his cheek.
“Deception,” Edward said before leaving, and she knew he had sent a warning to him about something.
As soon as Edward was gone, Lucas turned to her. “I’d like to take care of this threat. Would you accompany me?”
Behind her Lancelot stood about to say something, but Lucas waved a hand at the man and he froze.
“I can’t move mistress, beware…I won’t forgive this, sire.” Deception yelled.
“What are you doing?” She stepped back from Lucas, but he took her hand and they disappeared from the room. Shouts from her men poured into her head as they materialized just inside the perimeter of Edward’s property.
Before her stood Alzono, Brian and Elephant Dick, all three of them bowed to Lucas. “So you have brought her to us. That is good. May I?” Alzono stepped forward to grab her, but was lifted into the air and thrown back into a tree.
“I’m fine, stop yelling, you're giving me a headache,” Beth stepped closer to Lucas, hoping she was right and that he needed her here for a reason. That, in fact, he would protect her.
“No one will touch you, I promise,” Lucas announced to her men and those around her. His gaze landed on Brian. “Family is to be cherished, yet you threw it all away for power. Was it worth it to be cut off from your loved ones?”
Her brother sneered. “The only good thing she was useful for was her power. My family was a drain. They wouldn’t stand up and take control. They were weak. Are you going to allow us to drain her?”
> “No. What I see in your heads is nothing but butchering innocent people. It will stop now.” Lucas’ gaze turned and focused on Alzono as he stood and slowly made his way back to them. His magic simmered in the air, building, ready to attack.
Lifting her arms, Beth started to weave a wall of protection around her and Lucas and he smiled down at her. “Sweetie there is no need to worry. They cannot harm either of us.” With that last word, the screams started. Alzono, Brian and Elephant Dick seemed to burn from the inside out.
The stench almost had her gaging before a breeze blew in, pushing it away from her. “I’d hoped to work with them to stop this mess, but it seems there are a number of facets joining their cause. With these three gone, it will give the rest of their peons notice that I will not put up with this cause.” He turned and looked down at her.
His dark hair was tied back, Lucas’s eyes were not of this world, orange and red swirled around almost looking like that of a flame. “I’m sorry I pulled you here, but I needed you at my side while I dealt with the present threat. This makes no sense.” He tucked one of her strands of hair behind her ear.
“Your men, Edward, Dred and Rock mean nothing to me, other than I don’t want to kill them and that I would protect them for you.” He kissed the top of her head and stepped back.
Her stomach did a flip flop and she moaned. “Not you too?” She threw up her hands and started to pace back and forth. “So let me get this straight. I’m somehow your woman too? Boy, this keeps getting better and better. Did the fates put a stop at Beth’s pussy to lighten your soul?” She flopped down on the leaf-covered ground and sighed, knowing the other three of her men were coming up on them along with Deception.
She looked up to see the three of them standing there, glaring at Lucas. “Don’t even start, because right now I’m ready to turn the four of you into cow shit. Edward, Dred, Brian is dead. What do you think will happen to Nora? Will his death snap her out of this fog or have I truly lost her?”
Weddings Bells Times Four Page 15
