“You will break this date!” Matty growled.
Storm flicked her wrist at him, and Nava swore it was as if a bullfighter waving a red flag in front of a bull. Matty growled and stormed into the room. Storm shirked and disappeared.
“Really, son, have you forgotten everything I’ve taught you?” Darla said, slapping her son upside the head. “What did you think would happen after the way you treated her? Now, you won’t even have the picnic, a first time in two months she was willing to do anything with you.” Darla looked disgusted at her son, who lowered his head.
“But she’s mine,” he grumbled as Saxon and Drake now joined them.
“Yes, she’s yours, son, but you haven’t earned her trust or even courted her. You don’t have the right to tell her anything right now. That will take time,” Drake said.
Nava gave Drake a look, and he laughed. “Don’t give me that look. You’ll see soon enough.”
Darla nudged her and leaned down, whispering, “Humor them and allow them to think you are obeying them; that is the way to do that. When, in reality, they will always give you what you truly desire. Believe me, I know. It’s taken me over a hundred years with this overbearing alpha to finally get him to listen.”
Drake reached over and yanked Darla into his arms. “I would say it was the other way around, wouldn’t you?” He gave her a look, and Darla seemed to melt against him, patting his chest.
“Of course, my husband,” she said, kissing his chest and glanced over her shoulder at Nava, winking.
Nava laughed when Drake slapped Darla’s ass. “Don’t think I know what you just did. Do I need to pull out your paddle, my dear?” Drake said and nipped her neck. “It has been a while.”
“I so don’t need to hear this.” Matty turned around, scanning. “I’m sorry, Storm. I didn’t have any right, but I would like it if you would reconsider canceling it, maybe. Can we still have our picnic? I know Nava would like your company as I would.”
Nava couldn’t hold it in, she laughed so hard tears were coming down. It seemed Storm was going on the picnic but not before she had her fun giving Matty a psychedelic head color.
He sighed. “I’m sorry, Storm. I really am.” He looked up, and Storm appeared in front of him.
“I can’t promise you anything. We have a lot to work through, but I was looking forward to this picnic with Nava and you.” Storm glanced at her. “I don’t know why, but there is a connection to you,” Storm said.
“I feel it, too, and I welcome the friendship. I haven’t had a true friend in a long time, since... Maybe when we free my friend, you’d help. I know it’s going to be hard for her. Plus, things are moving a little fast for me, too.” Nava glanced at the man standing next to her, Saxon. He was built like a tank, and god, did he smell good. She shook her head and looked up. Sure enough, he was grinning.
He lowered his head and kissed her lips softly. “It’s normal to feel what you do. When true mates meet the heat, need is ten times that of a human relationship. But I promise I’ll court you right, my little fire.” He wrapped his arm around her and pulled her up against him.
She shook her head but didn’t move, feeling safe in his arms.
Storm smiled and landed on her shoulder. “We’ll both help your friend. I think being here in this town will help, also. One thing I can say about this city is we stick together and help each other out,” Storm said and glanced over at Saxon. “You are not the only one who is having the same problem, but...”
“I know, you have time. You were hurt; take your time, but don’t shut him out if what everyone is saying is true.” Nava glanced at Matty. “Give him hell, but also allow him to prove to you that he is sincere in his pursuit,” Nava said, earning a groan from Matty.
“Hey now, I haven’t hurt you? Why do I get thrown in with him?” Saxon asked.
“No, you haven’t, but I still want to go on dates, do things before we commit.” Nava looked down at the ground, wishing she had painted her toe... “Thank you, Storm.” Her toes now were painted a red color to match her dress. “I was going to say I haven’t been on a real date. With us being on the run, we never could trust anyone.” She looked at Saxon, who looked stunned.
“Nothing? No movies, nothing?” he asked.
She shook her head, and Drake growled. “That settles it. The both of you will get your courting shoes on and show these ladies that men are not all dogs starting today. Go take your picnic. I would suggest the west pond. I think they both will enjoy it.”
Darla clapped her hands together, nodding. “Yes, it’s perfect. Now, go, all four of you, and have a great time.”
Matty grabbed the picnic basket as Drake handed Saxon two blankets. “We’ll discuss our problem tonight.” Drake leaned over and placed a kiss on Nava’s cheek. “We’ll get your friend out and treat her right. We have a great shrink here that can help her, too, and any others that wish to come back with us. We already have many individuals here stepping up to offer their homes for any children that don’t have a place to go, including us. Darla and I have decided to open our home. With the boys all older and this place is so big...”
Nava stepped up to the man that everyone seemed afraid of and hugged him as Darla stepped aside. “My father was just like you, and I’m proud to be considered part of your family, thank you,” she said, looking at Darla at the same time. “The both of you.”
Chapter Ten
Saxon had never seen Drake out of words and uncomfortable as his woman hugged the man, thanking him. He would have laughed, but seeing the tears in his woman’s eyes even had his stomach in knots.
Drake hugged her tight. “Go on your picnic, little fire, and know you are safe here,” Drake whispered to her before she stepped back to his side.
“Storm, won’t you shift for me?” Matty asked as Saxon escorted Nava out the kitchen door and down the right tunnel, which led to the west pond.
The little pixy flew around Matty. “Last time I did, it didn’t go so well,” she said, and even Saxon could hear the insecurity in her voice.
“I, for one, would love to see the real you,” Nava said, encouraging Storm, who blew out a breath before appearing next to her.
“Well damn, don’t you look fabulous.” Nava took Storm’s hand, smiling. “No wonder Matty wanted to see the real you, stunning.”
Storm bumped her shoulder. “Please, I’m just bigger, that is all.” Storm glanced back at Matty. “Happy?”
Matty smiled and nodded. “Very, thank you for my little pixy.” For the next twenty minutes, Matty explained the process his father had gone through forming the tunnels to create their home. The two women listened and pointed out little forms on the walls that appeared to be some pictures of ancestors of Matty’s family.
But as soon as they turned the corner, his little fire stopped and grabbed onto the wall, grabbing at her stomach. “No,” she whispered, tears rolling down her cheeks.
At once, his skin hardened as he stepped up to Nava, scanning the area. “What’s wrong?” he asked as Matty pushed Storm closer to Nava, making sure both of them were secure.
Her tearful gaze lifted. “They know about our plans, Elf says they have upped security and are going to start packing them up. Saxon, they took her babies away from her.” Nava’s lip trembled as Drake came, moving around the corner with Theo, the sheriff.
“The leak has been taken care of. We go now,” Drake said, moving to Nava’s side. “Inform your friend not to give up, we’re coming,” Drake said as he turned the girls around and started to head them back toward the main home.
“How are we going to get there in time? They’re already getting ready to transfer the little ones,” Nava asked.
“We have our ways to get there, and don’t worry, they won’t be going anywhere,” Drake said as Theo snorted.
“Frost is furious, and I don’t blame him. Lacey and her sisters could have been hurt,” the sheriff growled.
“What did they do,” Saxon asked as he pull
ed out his phone, sending out a message to his team to get ready.
“The Adams sisters and their aunt Topper paid a visit to the home and disabled all their cars, vehicles. I swear, Frost is ready to lock them all up he’s so furious,” Theo informed them.
Saxon growled. “I’d be furious, too.” He glanced at Nava, who looked over her shoulder at him.
“Well, isn’t it a good thing we aren’t committed yet? Because I would have been right there with the sisters if they would have let me know about their trip,” Nava said, lifting her head a little, giving him sass.
“She’s not the only one. We’re not useless, you know.” Storm glared at him then at Matty.
“And your cute butts would be spanked. The thought of you even near that place...” Matty growled.
“I don’t think you have any say in this either,” Storm said, and once more Matty was dressed in an old knight metal armor. One step and he was falling face first to land on a pillow.
“Ladies, we don’t have time for this. Nava, Storm, if we didn’t need everyone, you wouldn’t be going and either would Darla. But the women and children are going to need you,” Drake stated, which only had his little fire stopping and frowning at Drake.
“I can’t thank you enough for all that you have done for me and are willing to help me, but I will do what I think is necessary with or without your consent. I’m an adult, sir, and have been on my own now for a few years.” Nava lifted her head and started to walk ahead of everyone.
At first, Drake did nothing, almost shocked, and Saxon couldn’t help but smile, even though he knew his mate was going to give him hell and he’d have it no other way. Moving toward his mate, Saxon gave Drake a look as he passed him. “Didn’t count on that, did you?” he asked. “Little fire, wait up.” Saxon ran to her side, winding his fingers with hers.
“He just does not want to see you hurt, little fire,” he said.
“I understand that; I really do. But, this has been my battle for years; they killed my parents, Saxon.” She stopped and looked up at him than at Drake, who now stood behind her. “I won’t be left out of this. These people have taken too much from me. Not you or Drake will stop me. And if any other group comes along starting the same thing, I’ll make sure it’s shut down. Do you know how many children they hurt?” She shook her head, and a single tear rolled down her cheek. “It can’t happen again.”
Saxon pulled her into his arms, hating the sadness coming from her. He realized then and there that he’d do anything to keep Nava happy. He glanced up at Drake. “My team is on its way. We’ll be ready to leave in the next ten minutes.”
“I still don’t understand how you are going to get there so quickly,” Nava commented as they started to move back toward the main compound.
“You remember Topper? There are many ways to travel from one place to the next, little fire,” Saxon explained.
She stopped again. “Wait, you can do that, too? Go anywhere? Poof, like that?” She snapped her fingers, staring at him with her big green eyes.
“I can do a few things as many of us can,” he smiled. “Come, we have to move.” Saxon picked her up and threw her over his shoulder, running toward the main house. From what his scout had reported to him a few seconds ago, they didn’t have much time. Things were getting hot. Already the posse had arrived at the school and was rounding up those that they could.
“Hey, I can run,” she yelled but stopped when they appeared in the kitchen, giving her the first taste of his kind of travel.
“Wow, that was cool. Will I be able to do that?” she asked as he lowered her to the ground, nodding to Kaylen.
“We’re ready. Half the team has split, one covering the girls’ dorm, the other covering the little ones they are moving. If we are going to do this, we need to leave now,” Kaylen informed him.
“Have the rest of the men start transporting Drake’s men and the others. Nava, I expect you to listen to everything I say. I will not lose you after just finding you. Storm, can you...” Before he could say anything, Nava was dressed in black pants and shirt with some boots he’d have to make sure she’d wear later. “You going to be able to walk in those?” he asked.
Nava smiled. “Oh, baby, you should have seen my red shoes. If you find my friend and get her out of there, I’ll model them for you later with Storm’s help, of course.”
Storm giggled. “I have a pair of green ones that are my favorite. But I haven’t found anyone yet worthy to show them off to.” She got her dig into Matty, who groaned.
“All right, ladies, now is not the time to get your men all hot and bothered here,” Drake said as his woman came strolling in, dressed in black. “Darla,” Drake growled seeing his wife, and he had to admit all three women were dressed for a night out on the town, not for their mission.
“What? You need distractions; well, that is what we are,” she winked at Nava, who smiled.
“Never,” he growled, and Matty hissed at the same time.
Chapter Eleven
Nava stood behind the building with two of Saxon’s men and a few of Drake’s men surrounding her, Storm, and Darla. All three men had refused to listen to them about being a distraction. But Nava was kind of glad they had because what she saw at the compound, well to say she was impressed would be an understatement. But it had taken Nava a few minutes to stop shaking when Saxon had brought her back to her nightmare.
They had twice the people and buildings, the place had changed. The one new building was bigger and even scarier if possible. From what she could also tell, there was a twelve-foot wire fence around the compound.
A cold chill ran up her arms and down her back. Nava knew the nightmares were going to come back, but she didn’t care. As long as they freed those that were held there. What she hadn’t expected was the number of little ones that had been reported.
“You okay?” Saxon’s voice penetrated her thoughts, shocking her.
“How and I’m fine?” Nava questioned. “You should be concentrating on what you are doing? Stop worrying about me.”
The man laughed at her. “Oh, little fire, I will always be worried about you. And do not worry, I will chase those nightmares away.”
Nava snorted, drawing Darla’s attention. “So, the bond is finally forming?” she asked.
“If you mean him talking in my head, yes. Which someone should have warned me. I’m lucky I didn’t piss my pants,” she grumbled and turned her attention toward the far left. “No,” she growled, moving away from the group and heading toward the small group of women who were being moved at gunpoint toward another building. “Elf,” she whispered.
“Do not. It’s a trap,” Elf said.
“If you think for one minute I’m going to leave you again, think again,” Nava said, running toward the back of Building F she knew all too well.
“What the hell do you think you are doing? Do not move. I’m coming your way.” Saxon growled, hearing the orders he was issuing his men.
Catching a movement to her side, Nava sighed. “You two need to go back. I can do this. I know what to expect,” Nava said to Darla and Storm.
They both shook their head. “Where you go, we go. Now, if you want to get your friend, we better do it now.” Darla nodded toward the building. “If they get inside, we won’t stand a chance if we are going to do this.”
“They won’t be able to get in that door,” Nava said, sending a ball of fire at said door, melting and sealing the door. What she wasn’t expecting was half of Drake’s men and Saxon’s to come running, surrounding them, refusing to allow them to move.
“We will discuss your need to help later,” Saxon growled, appearing in front of her and pulling her into his body. “They know you are here now. You have distracted them enough, time to go home...” Saxon said.
“No!” she yelled, but to realize she, Darla, and Storm now stood in the kitchen of Darla’s home. “That stupid jackass! I swear I’m going to set his ass on fire,” she screamed furiously. “I ne
ed to be able to help Elf, damn it!”
“Not to worry, granddaughter, I’ll make sure she is okay, and then, I’ll personally kick that posse’s ass. Do you know it took nine of them to lock me up, but they didn’t realize I know how to get away from them?” Her grandmother cocked her gun. “Time for some fun. You ready, Topper?” Jane asked as Topper appeared next to her grandmother.
“Let’s go. We have babies to help.” Both Topper and Jane disappeared before Nava could say a word.
“That is not a good combination. Damn, Theo is going to have a fit. Topper has been giving most of the men a headache popping in and out of places, now with Jane at her side, not good.” Darla whistled.
“Can you take us back?” she asked Darla, plopping down on a stool around the island in the kitchen.
“No, even Storm can’t do anything. Seems the men have learned a thing or two since the last time something has happened. If I’m not mistaken, Storm, your gifts?” Darla asked.
“Gone. Just wait ‘til they come back. Matty’s little shock thing was nothing when I get my powers back. Who the hell do they think they are doing this to us?” Storm was furious. Even though her power was gone, Nava could see little bits of electricity zapping around her head.
“Easy there; you know this was all Drake. He’s been spouting about this kind of thing ever since Lacey was taken years ago. Now, I have to find out how he did it, and I will find out, believe me.”
Nava stopped and sighed. “Elf is safe. They have her...” Nava turned to see her friend appear in the kitchen with them.
“Elf!” Nava went to her friend, hugging her tight. “Are you hurt? Darla, the doctor?”
“I’m here; we’re getting the hall ready for all of those that don’t have a place to go. Come here, child, and let’s get a look at you,” Doc Lope said, coming into the kitchen.
“It would have been nice to know this was going to happen in my own damn house. How are we supposed to help if we’re not told any of the plans?” Darla snarled, marching out of the kitchen with Storm behind her, giving Elf and her some privacy with the doctor.
Magic, New Mexico: Loving Phoenix (Kindle Worlds Novella) Page 6
