“We should go first,” Rock’s cocky grin at Edward had him shaking his head.
In a quick move, Edward had Rock up against him holding him tight. “Be careful, I felt something when I stepped over the city line.”
Rock frowned as he scanned around them. Edward released him and he stepped up to open the door to the car they had arranged to meet them. Lancelot moved to take the back as they got to their car, and suddenly they all felt as if they were being watched.
He stepped up to Rock before getting in. “Do you feel as if…”
“Yea, and the hair on the back of my neck is standing up. Something powerful is close. It feels like a something, but I can’t get my finger on what, or who.” Rock’s eyes, those of the wolf, his shifter form, scanned everything around them, but there was nothing.
“I feel it too, but it’s gone whatever it was so let’s get this woman and leave this place. But I must tell you, Lancelot if she does not want to come, I’m not kidnapping a woman, not even for your mate,” Edward informed him.
“You will find out Elisa is usually never wrong. She may be geeky and have no common sense but she’s not wrong. If it wasn’t for her Sense, her Gift, I really don’t think she would have made it through those last few years in Cleveland.” Lancelot said getting into the car next to Edward.
Jason nodded. “Like the way she tried to play with me earlier. Our woman had to grow up quick, I’m afraid, defending her friends and herself.” Jason growled. “I wish we knew where that bastard was.”
“We’ll find him one day, but now is not the time to dwell on it, because she’ll see it and I want her to have the best day of her life tomorrow,” Lancelot said and took in the area.
In the parking lot, they had decided that Edward and Lancelot would go into the store to inform Karen that they were here. They would give her Elisa’s message and wait for her in the limo.
Jason got out of the car, carefully checking their surroundings, before Edward and Lancelot stepped out of the car. “Well, let’s do some shopping shall we?” he said trying to ease the tension around them.
“I feel it,” Jason said. “It’s closer this time, but not threating whoever it is.”
“Let’s get this over with,” Edward stated and actually grabbed a cart when they walked into the store. “What? We have a bus load of children coming, might as well stock up on junk while we’re here,” he smiled.
By the time they made it up to the register, the cart was full, and Lancelot even had a load of stuff in his arms for Elisa. “I have to admit this is fun. I have a feeling I’m going to be buy a lot of things for my woman,” Lancelot laughed putting all the shampoos, lotions, magazines, and other goodies he got onto the belt.
“I do it every time I come back here. Beth has a special closet where she keeps stuff we get her. When she runs out of something, all Beth does is go in there to get it. It’s a big closet.” Edward laughed and started to unload the cart.
Toys, diapers, blankets, clothes, and little things for Edward’s two little ones at home. “Glad she works at one of the big stores,” he muttered waiting while Karen rang up the guy in front of them. Lancelot did not like the man at all.
The way he was staring at Elisa’s friend, and the way that friend was reacting made him want to reach over and sever the man’s head with his sword. He acutely felt the need and all but reached down toward his belt where a sword would have hung (and at one time had). It was the first time in years some filth had him wanting to issue a duel.
A hand on his shoulder brought Lancelot back. “He will pay soon,” Edward said and Lancelot relaxed.
It was one of the king’s gifts: he could see the general outcome of human lives. It was a gift that Lancelot was happy he didn’t have.
As soon as the man walked away, Karen glanced up at him with a wavering smile. “How are you today?” she cocked her head to the side, her dark black hair shifted. But what had him staring at her were the bruises on her arms. There was also one on her cheek that she had used makeup to hide.
“I’m doing good. No, we’re not from around here but had to stop here and deliver a message from an old friend,” Lancelot repeated Elisa’s words and Karen stopped ringing up the merchandise and and glanced at him.
Shadows passed from her eyes and a slow smiled formed and she laughed. “How is Elisa doing?” she asked.
“She’s getting married tomorrow and wants you there. We have a limo outside and offer you this,” Lancelot leaned a little over making sure no one would hear him.
“A new life, where no one will lift a hand to hurt you. Your friends around you and we happen to have a bus load of children who will need teachers and guidance. Elisa thought of you and Shelly. Are you brave enough to step away from all this and come with us?” he asked.
Karen had tears in her eyes, but she held it back finishing his order. “These are all for her, aren’t they?” she asked and he nodded.
“And for her friends. Tonight is her bachelorette party and they all have to have treats. You should see all the pumpkins that need to be carved.” He teased trying to ease a little bit of the tension.
“The gentlemen behind me is buying for the children that will be coming soon to our home. We have to start stocking up and getting ready for them. Plus, he has two little ones that we all love to spoil.”
Edward snorted and pushed the cart into him. “Get a move on it. Our attention is already drawing people,” Edward said and glanced behind him.
Sure enough a man stood there staring at them. Lancelot reached into his pants pockets and drew out the money for his purchase. “We’ll wait for ten minutes. Tell your boss you have to use the restroom and come outside. You don’t have to worry about anything, we’ll take care of you, Karen.” Lancelot promised.
She didn’t say a word as she rang up Edwards’s purchases which came to a total of $450. Lancelot snickered and he could have sworn even Karen tried to hid the grin on her face when Edward moaned.
“Yep, Beth is going to kill me,” Edward said while he loaded their purchases into the cart.
“I can’t give you more than ten minutes, but please you can have such a better life if you allow us to help you.” Edward handed her the money.
Not saying a word, they both stepped outside. Jason and Rock were pacing around the car. Rock sniffing the air every few seconds.
“What’s wrong?” Edward asked as they loaded the bags into the trunk.
“About ten minutes ago a man came out, bulky. One minute he was standing there, the next he was gone and the scent was ten times as strong. Lucas is checking around the building now.”
“I don’t like this one bit, but whoever took that bastard, I hope they rip out his innards.” Lancelot snapped.
Jason looked at the bags in his arms and he shrugged. “I didn’t know what she liked so I got what I could. At least I didn’t get a whole cart like some people,” he teased.
“Hey that is King to you, my chef,” Edward smiled, but they all straightened up when Lucas came around the corner. His facial expression blank.
“It’s not good. Odd, I smell my brother, but yet I don’t. This is just weird. If he was here, he could have taken all of you out, but he didn’t. Instead he watches. I don’t know why he took that individual. Unless he was recruiting I just don’t know, but right now we need to leave, the woman comes and she’s nervous.”
Lancelot moved to assist Karen as the others got into the limo. “You are a very brave woman and thank you for trusting us. Let’s go see Elisa,” he said holding out his hand.
Her small one shook as she placed it into his. “I’m tired of being afraid and hurt. It’s time.”
Chapter Sixteen
Elisa glanced around the room, all three of her best girlfriends were there looking around.
“This has to be a dream. We’re on another planet and this is our home now?” Shelly swung around to stare at her with her hands on her hips. “Girl, you have some explaining to do and you c
an start out with what the hell happened to you?”
“I mean you look fabulous in a dark sort of way and what’s up with the fangs? We starting out Halloween early?”
Elisa laughed and took a drink of her Whiskey and Coke as Beth and Claire came into the room handing out drinks to her friends.
“No, they are mine. The men who picked you up are our men. Lancelot, Jason and Tarek are who I will be marrying tomorrow. They are what we call vampires. There are some shifters here too,” Claire there is a wolf as are two of her men. Beth has two wolf shifters, as is she. She is also a witch. Hmm, let me see what else is there?” Elisa took a sip of her drink.
“Oh I know,” Elisa looked at each of her friends. “I didn’t’ want to lose you guys and we actually need your help. Karen, I believe my flirt of a soon-to-be husband told you about the children?” Karen nodded and sat down.
“Well, there are a total of 63 that will be coming over as soon as we get the building built for them. They are ranging from infants to teens. Their parents were killed in the wars that have started. Shelly, you and Karen, well you’re great with children and I know you can do this. Plus, you’ll never meet hotter men then those on this planet.”
“She’s not lying about that. Finally Lucas and Edward have started to bring over part of the wolf pack and our clan. There are plenty of hotties around here helping.” Beth fanned herself.
“You have four men that serve you, you don’t need to be looking at anyone,” Lucas growled, coming into the room with a tray of snacks. “Before we go any further, and we allow the children in here, I need to know.” Lucas glanced at her friends.
“Do you stay or do you want to go back to Earth? I give you this choice now, because I can erase this part of your memory. But if you agree, you are here for good.”
Karen looked down at the ground. “Your kind don’t hit women?” Karen asked and tears filled Elisa’s eyes.
She should have taken Karen out of that town long time ago. Elisa started to go to her, but Beth shook her head as Lucas went to Karen and knelt down in front of her.
“Never, and anyone that ever lays a hand on you again will die, that I promise. You are safe here Karen, well safe from harm, but once the men around here get a look at you,” Lucas smiled. “The suitors will be lined up for a chance to speak with you.”
A dark shadow filled the room, and the smell of a spicy musk filled the room. Lucas jumped up and spun around. “Konrad!” he hissed.
Lancelot, Jason and Edward came running into the room. “What?”
Lucas glanced over his shoulder at Karen. “Seems my brother has taken a liking to Karen. Karen do you want to stay here?”
Karen looked over at her and she winked. “I’m not going to leave you.” Elisa promised.
“I’ve smelled that scent last night and had a dream of a man, he looked like you. He was gentle and told me that a new life was coming, that I would be safe. Is he like you?” Karen asked.
“He is my twin, but I must ask you to please let me know again if he contacts you. He is not to be trusted.” Lucas asked.
“If you don’t trust him, then you wouldn’t trust me now. Do you really want me here? I don’t want to cause problems.” Karen asked, getting nervous.
Once more the scent of musk filled the air. “Know this Lucas, I will not harm one person on your planet, just keep this one safe for me. I give you my word and will explain soon.” The voice sounded in the air, giving Elisa the shivers.
At once, Lancelot and Jason were at her side, rubbing her arms. “Do we trust him?” Edward asked Lucas.
Lucas stared at Karen before turning to Edward. “He has never broken his word to me so far… and Karen?” Lucas turned his attention fully on her again.“I promised you no one would hurt you here and I meant it. You are safe and I know you would do nothing to hurt us. You have a gentle soul. The children will be blessed to have you with them.”
“Okay this is creepy, but not dull, that’s for sure,” Shelly nodded. “I’m staying and you know it, Elisa. I’ve never turned down helping little ones, but I would ask this if I may. But there is a little boy I’ve been seeing, helping. I was in the process of adopting him.” She snorted.
“He might even be one of you, he has talents and was abused because he was different. But Trent wouldn’t hurt a soul.” Shelly had tears in her eyes.
Beth growled. “Go get that little boy,” she ordered to Edward and he laughed, bowing to her.
“Of course my dear,” Edward left the room and Beth nodded.
“He will be here shortly. You were right, Elisa these women will make a wonderful addition to our new world. Now Turtle, you should see the set-up we have for you,” Beth teased and her friend laughed.
“Fine I’m in. I heard Darius is coming?” she asked.
Lucas grinned. “Yes, he will be here tomorrow. His place has already started. We would like you three to stay with us until you have found your men. Even though this place is safe, there are wild animals out there that you are not used to.”
Beth snorted. “More like sex fiend animals. Yep, you’re staying here. We have the left wing all ready for you three. Your belongings have been brought over as well. Karen?”
Elisa pushed away from her men and went to Karen. “I love you like a sister. We both helped each other when no one was there. Please let me give this to you.” She took her friend’s cold hands into hers and squeezed them.
“I’m not going anywhere. I finally feel like home, safe here. It will take time to get used to this, but thank you, all of you.” Karen stated and looked off to the side.
“He’s talking to you, hasn’t he?” Elisa asked and Karen ducked her head.
“He comforts me, I’m sorry.” She looked at Lucas, who shook his head.
“Do not. If it’s one thing I know about my brother, he has never hurt a female, well except for one,” Lucas turned and glanced at Beth.
Beth frowned. “I’ve been meaning to talk to you and Edward, but we’ll do that later. I have a really good feeling about him with her. He’ll protect her, Lucas, and we are safe here as long as she is happy.”
*****
After showing the women where they would be staying and allowing them to settle in, Lancelot pulled Elisa away from the group.
“Come, we would spend some time with you before we have to leave,” Lancelot grumbled, not liking the fact he had to sleep without his woman tonight.
She smiled and patted his cheek. “It’s only for one night. We’ve lasted this long, we can wait. So where is this magical place where there are no others around?” she asked, all tucked up beside him.
“You’ll see, and I hope you’re hungry. I actually had time to cook for you tonight,” Lancelot said as they walked out of the house and into the night air.
“Tell me, does this place have winter? Will we have snow? I love winter and snow,” she asked, leaning into him.
“I don’t know. We’ll find out, but if it doesn’t, we’ll see if we can go to the mountains, maybe for a getaway after things settle down,” Jason said, stepping up next to them as Tarek awaited for them in the small hut they had taken over for this night.
“So what do you think of this fascination between Lucas’ brother and Karen? It kind of has me scared. She’s been hurt so much. Karen actually saved my life once when we were small. Out of all my friends, we were the closest. In a way, we understood each other, maybe it’s being abused, but we formed a tight bond,” Elisa said and stopped dead.
Her eyes were big and she pointed ahead. Lancelot immediately stepped in front of her, staring at what appeared to be a body hanging upside down from a tree. It was the man from the store. He had been tortured and was now on display. Lucas’ brother’s scent filled the air around the body.
Without even having to call him, Lucas arrived with Dred. “I don’t know how it’s possible, but my brother has become more powerful then I imagined. And the fact that he got by my security is really starting to piss me o
ff. There has to be someone here allowing him. But I must say good riddance to this trash.” Lucas glanced at Elisa who had stepped beside him.
Tears rolled down her cheeks. “My..no this man never my father” she said as her stepfather came up next to her, hugging her.
“Now, you do not have to ever worry about this man. I’m just sorry, it wasn’t me who could have found him for you. Now I must go inform your mother. Are you okay?” Her stepfater, and she nodded, hugging him.
“I cry because it’s like a weight has lifted. I don’t have to worry about him popping up, or the punches.” Elisa flinched as if remembering, and Jason growled.
“Then, good. Thank you. Terak and I will personally take a look at security tonight, since we won’t have much to do anyway.” Jason grumbled causing Elisa to laugh and punch his arm.
“Get me out of here. This is gross and I want to be able to eat that great dinner Lancelot made for me.” She turned and looked at Lucas. “I am really sorry about this. It seems my friend and I have brought trouble here.”
Lucas stepped in front of her. “Nonsense. Maybe this is a good thing. I just don’t know. For the first time in so many years, I’m actually confused, but you, pretty lady, have nothing to apologize for. Go have some quiet time with your men, I’ll take care of this trash.” Lucas placed a kiss on her cheek and he grumbled.
“There is no need to do that,” he swung her up in his arms. “Cover your eyes, Little Geek, we need to move around the body,” he said and waited as she buried her face into his chest.
“I’m so loving all this carrying thing, you know? Kind of reminds me of some of those hot romance novels.” Elisa peeked up at him as he stepped around the body.
“Just wait, you haven’t seen anything yet, darling,” Lancelot teased, trying to keep her mind off of their gruesome discovery.
“You know, we’re lucky the children didn’t see that, but then again, it did look like a Halloween thing. I want to thank you for all the little things you bought me earlier. With that and the clothes Tarek and Jason gave me, I feel a little better. I just wish I could have had my stuff to add to our house,” she sighed.
Her Stepbrothers Are Blood Suckers Page 9
