The fact that Eldon had dated a human for three years in high school had been a ding against him. He’d had to fight hard not to roll his eyes that day, instead pretending that he was ashamed of his behavior and was now reformed.
“Eldon,” a familiar voice called from behind him.
He spun around to see Gavin running up to meet him. “You got the call to come in, too, huh?”
“I did.”
Gavin rubbed his hands together. “I wonder what’s going on.”
Eldon did his best not to cringe. For whatever reason this impromptu meeting was called, it couldn’t be good. Something like that had never happened before, but he had a gut feeling.
The good news was that maybe it would be enough to get his brother to leave this place and never return.
So far, PPP had been a lot of talk and not a lot of action, which was good because Eldon would have hated to see someone hurt. But, with no real threat to society, it was hard to convince his brother to leave.
He’d tried that in the beginning and almost lost Gavin completely.
The two of them entered the main room where other members were sitting around, talking among themselves. Counting Gavin and him, there were thirteen. Unlucky thirteen.
The leader, Donny, was nowhere to be seen, giving Eldon a chance to relax a little. He might not agree with the PPP leader’s ethics and views, but the guy was smart and had a strong bullshit meter. It had taken Eldon months for Donny to trust him.
Gavin pulled a chair out at the table, and Eldon took the one next to his brother just as Donny walked in from the back with a laptop in his hand. The man appeared stoic, but there was a little something in his eyes that worried Eldon.
“Good morning, everyone,” Donny greeted them, setting down the computer. “I have something to show you all.”
He opened the laptop and turned it around, so the group could see. It was a paused video.
Donny reached over and hit play.
The video showed two women walking and a man approaching them. By their body language—they both went stiff and had horrified looks on their faces—they did not want the man anywhere near them.
There was an exchange between them, and then the man shouted, “I need the goddamn purses! Give them to me now!”
One of the females told the other to run, and she threw herself at the guy.
What in the hell is she doing?
She should have run away with her friend. The two of them fought, and then the unthinkable happened.
The female produced claws and caught the guy in the neck but not before he stabbed the female in the side. The two collapsed on the ground, and the video ended.
“Holy shit,” one of the members said. “Who is that?”
“I haven’t made a positive ID yet, but I believe this is Demi Cross. She’s been on our radar since I was a kid,” Donny said. “Her father was a shifter, but her mother is human. It was agreed upon a long time ago that she wasn’t a threat to the shifter ways. She was raised almost in secret by her grandmother, and since the older female’s death, Demi has lived as a human.” Donny rubbed his hands together almost gleefully. “But this,” he said, pointing to the computer, “cannot happen again.”
Donny stood and began walking around the room. “We have sat back and watched our future alpha mate with a vampire. We have watched several sentinels mate with others outside their species. And we haven’t been able to do a damn thing about it.”
Donny stopped and spun toward the group. “But this half-shifter, half-human—this…abomination—she is no one special. She is someone we can do something about. We can set an example. And, when we send the message that those relationships and children are wrong, others like us—others with the same values we hold—will seek us out, and we will grow.”
Donny began pacing again. “And, once we are big enough to protect ourselves, we can let our alpha know—we can let our community know—that mating outside the species is forbidden.”
Eldon listened in horror as Donny spouted his hate. So far, the leader had been smart enough to not go after the alpha’s son or any of the sentinels, but now, Eldon feared the worst. He was afraid that Donny wanted to kill this woman.
“What do you suggest we do?” Gavin asked.
Eldon’s head whipped toward his brother.
Gavin looked fierce and ready to fight. It made Eldon sick.
“I’m so glad you asked,” Donny said. “First, we need to confirm that this is in fact Demi Cross. I want one of you to go to the restaurant and ask questions.”
“I’ll do it,” George, an older member, volunteered.
Donny nodded. “Good. Make sure to grab one of the uniforms to put on first.” Donny smiled up at the ceiling. “My father and grandfather always thought I was silly for buying those police uniforms. Well, look at me now, assholes,” he said more to himself than to the group.
Someone cleared their throat.
Donny shook his head and looked down at them. “Yes. I also need a few of you to scout out the hospitals and morgues. We need proof that she injured this man or killed him. And we need to find her. Half-shifter or no, she needed medical help.”
A few others raised their hands, including Eldon’s brother. It took all his willpower not to shove Gavin’s arm down.
“Oh, and, Eldon?” Donny said.
Shit. He was hoping he’d be kept out of it.
“Yes?” Eldon said.
Donny smiled, his expression giving Eldon the creeps. “I need you to use your resources and see if there was a dead body reported or if someone’s been arrested.”
Eldon had known it was coming, yet it still did nothing to prepare him for how gross he felt, knowing he had to help this dick. Eldon simply nodded.
Donny shook his finger. “You know, I hesitated bringing a Minneapolis police detective into the group even if you are a cat-shifter. But your brother convinced me it was the right thing to do.” He lost his smile and leaned forward. “Now’s your chance to prove to me your brother was right.”
Gavin slapped Eldon on the back. “He won’t let us down. Will you, Eldon?”
Eldon looked at his brother. “Nope.” Because, in the end, he was going to get Gavin free of them.
He just needed to figure out how.
Chapter 17
Saxon’s phone rang from the floor of Demi’s hospital room.
She mumbled something and went back to sleep.
Saxon slipped out of bed and dug his cell from his pocket. It was Vance.
“Saxon.”
“I need you to get Demi out of the hospital and bring her here sooner than planned.”
Saxon went on immediate alert. “What’s going on?” He grabbed his jeans and pulled them on.
“We have a new development. I don’t want to talk about it over the phone. Just find the doctor, get her cleared for discharge, and bring her back here.”
“Got it.” Saxon hung up and turned to Demi. “Hey, Demi.” He ran his hand over her head.
She rolled to her back and smiled at him.
He didn’t want to alarm her, so he smiled back. “I’m going to get you up and out of here soon, so I need you to wake up.”
“What time is it?”
He looked at his phone. “After ten in the morning.”
She frowned. “I thought we weren’t leaving until tonight.”
He shrugged as if it were no big deal. “Plans change. Vance called and said now is a good time.”
“Okay.”
Saxon sighed with relief inside. He did not need a freaked-out female on his hands. Or one who asked endless questions. “I’m going to go find the doctor and see if we need to know anything about your aftercare.”
Demi slowly sat up and winced.
Guilt ran through him that he was making her leave. “I’ll see about getting you some pain meds, too.”
She looked around. “Could you see about getting me some clothes, too? I don’t think your friends want to see my n
aked ass.”
Saxon growled. “Actually, I think they’d like that too much.” And that didn’t sit well with him.
Demi laughed and clutched her side. “Ah. Don’t make me laugh.”
Saxon kissed her on the forehead and smiled. “I’ll try not to.”
She smiled back. “Thank you.”
He headed for the door. “I’ll go find your doctor and something for you to wear. Will you be okay until I get back?”
Demi stood, holding on to the bed railing. She let go and held her hands up as if she was testing her balance. “Whew. No dizziness.” She looked up at him. “I think I’ll be fine. Take your time. I’ll just be in the bathroom.”
Saxon nodded and left the room.
Saxon led Demi up to a nice-sized home. But, before they entered, he pointed to second building that looked like another house.
“I live over there in the bunkhouse.”
She frowned. “Whose place did you take me to those nights I went home with you?”
“That’s my place, too. That’s where I stay when I’m not on duty and I need to get away.”
“I see.” She looked at the front door. “So, is this your alpha’s house?”
“No.”
It isn’t?
“This is our alpha’s home. You’re just as much a part of this pride as I am.”
She looked down as her face warmed. He didn’t realize how much those words affected her. She had always felt like she didn’t belong anywhere.
But it was silly to get worked up. She had no idea if everyone felt that way. Her grandmother might have been extreme in some of her thinking, but it didn’t mean she wasn’t right and that they would want her.
“Come on. Let’s get in there,” Saxon said, taking her elbow to help her up the stairs.
She could manage on her own, but she was still sore.
The door opened into the living room, which sat empty of people. An older dark blonde woman came from a room at the back of the house, throwing a small towel over her shoulder.
“Hello, Saxon,” she said as she came toward them. “You must be Demi.”
“That’s me.”
The female smiled and held her arms out. Demi was completely unprepared for the hug she was given, but she had to admit, it felt nice. Her grandmother hadn’t been much for physical affection. Or any kind of affection really. Her mother was a hugger, but she hadn’t been around much and had moved out after she remarried when Demi was nine.
The woman let go and stepped back. “I’m sorry,” she said with a laugh. “I should probably introduce myself. I’m Lilith, Vance’s mate.”
“And our alphena,” Saxon said with pride.
“Are you hungry, dear?” Lilith asked.
Demi noticed several delicious smells permeating the house.
“Starving,” Saxon replied.
Lilith took the towel from her shoulder and smacked Saxon with it. “I was asking Demi.” She raised her brow at Demi. “What do you say? Would you like something to eat?”
“Yes, please.” Demi hadn’t eaten since the night before at the restaurant. They’d been pumping her full of stuff through her IV, but it didn’t help the empty feeling in her stomach.
Lilith grinned. “I was hoping you’d say that. I made plenty of food.” She stepped off to the side of Demi and Saxon and yelled, “Vance, they’re here.”
It was so loud that Demi jumped, and Saxon chuckled at her.
An answering, “Okay,” was heard from up above them.
Lilith turned back to Demi and Saxon. “Let’s head to the kitchen, shall we?”
Demi followed the female into a large kitchen and dining area. There was a huge kitchen island that had several stools pushed under the counter and an enormous dining room table that looked like it’d fit a couple dozen people. But the best part was all the smells and the food sitting on the counter.
Demi could feel her stomach growl. She patted her belly. “I could definitely eat.”
“Wonderful,” Lilith said. “Why don’t you two take a seat? And I’ll get some plates.”
Saxon guided Demi to the island rather than the dining table, which worked for her. This way, she was closer to the food.
Lilith brought over a couple of plates and forks just as the back door opened, and Vaughn walked in.
He held the door open behind him and whistled. “Hurry up, you two. Grandma’s got yum-yums.”
Demi snort-laughed at the masculine cat-shifter’s use of the word yum-yums.
Two little people toddled their way into the house, and Vaughn shut the door behind him.
Demi couldn’t stop staring at them. Saxon had told her back at the hospital about all the mixed relationships and that some of the shifters had children. These little cuties were half-vampire. She wasn’t the only one who was a mix of two species.
“How’re Grandma’s little babies?” Lilith asked them with a grin on her face.
“In trouble,” Vaughn answered.
“Uh-oh. What did they do?” his mom asked as she picked up the little girl. “What did you do, Victoria?”
Little Victoria giggled as her grandma tickled her belly.
At the same time, the little boy looked around the room and saw her and Saxon. His eyes lit up when they landed on Saxon, and he ran over. To Demi’s surprise, Saxon picked him up without any hesitation, set him on his lap, and handed the boy a cookie.
Vaughn sighed and put his hands on his hips. “They got into Naya’s makeup and proceeded to paint each other with every single thing they could. We had to throw them in the tub before I got here. I think she was secretly glad the meeting was moved up, so she had the excuse of daylight to stay home.”
Lilith smiled. “Every mom deserves a break now and then.” She tickled Victoria’s belly again. “Right?”
Victoria giggled in response.
“Who’s this?” Demi asked Saxon.
“This is Aidan.”
Demi shook the little boy’s hand. “Nice to meet you, Aidan.”
He smiled and hid his face in Saxon’s shoulder. The older cat didn’t even flinch.
“Are they both Vaughn’s?” Demi asked.
“Yeah, they’re twins.”
“How old?”
Saxon shrugged as he grabbed for some meat and crackers. “One? Two? Beats the hell out of me.”
“You don’t know?”
He frowned. “No. Why would I?”
He seemed close to the little boy, but what did she know? “Never mind.”
“They’re sixteen months old,” Vaughn said as he walked over and snatched the cookie out of Aidan’s hand. “No cookies for naughty boys.”
Aidan’s lower lip popped out, and his eyes filled with tears. Demi was ready to give him five cookies when Vaughn took a cracker from Saxon’s plate and put it in the little boy’s hand.
“Eat that.”
Aidan studied the cracker and stopped crying.
“That was easy,” she said.
“Sometimes, yes.” Vaughn picked up another cracker from Saxon’s plate and handed it to Victoria.
“Hey. Quit taking my food,” Saxon said.
Vaughn ignored Saxon’s demand, instead asking, “Where is everyone?”
“They should all be here soon.”
They all turned to see Vance had walked into the room. His expression was grim, and Demi just knew that whatever he had to say couldn’t be good.
Chapter 18
Demi sat down on the couch between Saxon and Siya, who had been very excited to see her out of the hospital, as Lilith led the twins out of the room.
“Everything going okay?” Demi asked since the two of them hadn’t had a chance to really talk yet.
“Yeah. Although I am looking forward to going home. I feel like I’m in an alternate universe.”
“Everyone is treating you okay though, right?”
More and more people began to fill the room. Some she had already been introduced to and some she didn
’t know yet.
“Honestly, I haven’t really seen much of anyone. Camden gave me breakfast,” she said, pointing to the blond shifter she’d come into the house with. “And Ram gave me a place to sleep.” Siya looked around and put her mouth right next to Demi’s ear. “He drank my blood this morning when I got up. He said he did it to keep tabs on me. Do you know what that means?” She leaned back to look at Demi.
Demi shook her head. “I don’t have much experience with them.”
Her grandmother had told her a little about vampires when she was younger. She’d explained that the two didn’t get along and that they each stayed on their own sides of the river. But, since Demi acted and lived as a human, she ignored the boundaries. It seemed it was something else her grandmother had been wrong about.
Vance clapped his hands. “Listen up, everyone.”
The room quieted.
“Now that you’re all here—”
“What about Sawyer and Kenzie?” Saxon asked.
Demi had no idea who he was asking about.
“They can’t make it today,” Vance said. His eyes darted to Demi. “Next time.”
Saxon nodded once.
“As I was saying, I would like you all to meet Demi Cross,” Vance said as he pointed at her.
Demi had to fight the urge to slouch in her seat. She hated being the center of attention.
“Demi has been kept a secret from us for over thirty years,” he told the group. He turned to her. “Demi, I would like to formally welcome you to the Minnesota Pride.”
Everyone clapped, and a few even whistled. Demi’s face heated.
“Thank you,” she said even though most probably couldn’t hear her over their clapping.
After everyone quieted down, Vance asked her, “Do you mind if I share some of your background with the group? Otherwise, we can go talk in private.”
Her life was very boring, and the most scandalous thing about her—her half-shifter/half-human status—was already known to the group. “Share away.”
“So, Reid,” Vance said, pointing to the redheaded cat-shifter she’d briefly met this morning, who had a laptop open on his knees, “did some digging. Your grandmother, Lucille Harris, was born in 1906 in Minnesota. In 1940, at the age of twenty-four, your grandmother applied for a marriage license with a Floyd Stall.”
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