Beneath the Skin: de La Vega Cats, Book 3

by Lauren Dane

  Gibson hung up, and she left the room to put the roses in a vase and let him call to set up the plane, because she knew he’d give in. It was the best option and he knew it.

  Chapter Eleven

  He took her to Amor, a restaurant she knew from various stories she’d heard about the de La Vegas. It was apparently their favorite restaurant, and Kendra had told Mia it was the place she really first started to fall for Max.

  So it was special that he brought her there. Special that he’d kept his hand on the small of her back as they’d led him to the table.

  “Do you mind if I order for you?”

  Surprised he’d asked, she nodded. “Yes, that’s fine.”

  He spoke to the server as she watched him in the candlelight.

  “You’ll like it. So how was it? Flying again?”

  “I hadn’t expected it to be as wonderful as it turned out to be. I was a little worried that it would be overwhelming or whatever, but it was like I’d never been attacked at all. It was…well it was good. Templeton sends along his hello.”

  “What’d you think of Templeton?”

  She smiled. “I like him. He’s a funny, flirty guy with a great wife and a pretty awesome outlook on life.” She paused as they brought salads and glasses to go with the wine he’d ordered.

  “Never been nervous to order wine before I met you. I hope you like it.”

  He was being remarkably sweet. “I don’t think I’ve seen you nervous before. It looks a lot like confident on you.” She winked and took a sip. “This is a very good red.”

  “I’m relieved.”

  The server poured them each a glass and left the bottle.

  “He took me aside. As we were leaving. And he shared some of what had happened to him. He was very kind and gave me some very heartfelt and good advice.” She sipped her wine.

  “Do you want to talk about it?”

  She liked that he didn’t push. And he was a pushy guy. But there were times like just then where he got how hard it was for her to talk about it and he let her share as she could. Which made it easier to share the next time.

  “He knows what it means to never again be what you were before. To have to live knowing you’ll never be as strong. To know your life, your future, was stolen by people who don’t deserve to be breathing.”

  He took her hand.

  “Anyway, he just shared that and it felt good to be understood. Sometimes…well sometimes I know people care and they feel bad, but they can’t know. You’re a powerful male at his prime. You’re strong and fast and respected. You are a badass no one is going to mess with and you’ve earned it. You can listen to me when I’m sad, but you can’t know what it feels like to have your future stolen.” She lifted her gaze to him and held it. “And I don’t want you to. I wouldn’t wish that on anyone. But it’s lonely sometimes. He made me feel less lonely.”

  “I’m glad you met him then. And I’m sorry you’re lonely. I wish I could make it better.”

  She snorted. For such a tough dude, he could be so very sweet. “You do make it better. Even when you’re bossy and you say dumb guy stuff.” She smiled because it was totally true. And he sat back, keeping her hand for long moments before they both started eating.

  “Sixteen years ago my father ran the jamboree with his brothers. Like his father had done. My Uncle Tomas was the Bringer.”

  She remembered some of this vaguely. She knew he’d challenged the old Bringer. But that was what happened. It was part of their culture to have challenges to positions of power. Only the very strongest could lead.

  “My other uncle did the books. He was the other second, like Galen is with Max. He uncovered that Tomas was embezzling jamboree funds. Seventy-four thousand dollars.”

  Gibson hated to tell this story, but how could he not? How could he hold back when she’d just given him that bit of herself? He’d have been a coward. And he was no coward.

  “So my father confronted him and he denied it. Worse, he started to undermine my father and, through that, the entire jamboree. He accused my father of trying to push Tomas and his family out. They were about a third of the jamboree so that was a big deal. Tomas was very charming. He had a lot of friends, and a rift was formed because at first my father didn’t want to air the story about the embezzlement. Tomas was his younger brother. He didn’t want to hurt him. And he didn’t want to drag the rest of the jamboree into what he felt was a family matter.

  “But after a while he had to because it was tearing the jamboree apart. Then Tomas started talking about challenging my father and that could not happen. My father would have beaten him, but it would have broken him. So I did it. A call had been made and there was a gathering of the entire governing council. I stood up and challenged him for the position. And instead of choosing first blood, he chose a challenge to the death.”

  Gibson remembered the look on his father’s face when Gibson called a challenge. Proud, most certainly. But he was torn. Sad. And pissed off because Gibson hadn’t discussed it with him first.

  Gibson hadn’t because he’d known his father would have tried to protect him and ordered him not to do it.

  But when Tomas had been so boastful and said he didn’t want to bother with anything but to the death, Cesar’s jaw had hardened, his gaze narrowing. Gibson knew now, as an older man, that his father had to let go of his brother at that very moment. In front of the whole jamboree.

  She watched him with those big brown eyes. Never judging.

  The server brought their steaks along with several sides and they ate for a while in silence before he continued.

  “I can’t understand. Why didn’t he choose first-blood?”

  A first-blood would have been a challenge that ended when the first person hit the floor and stayed there a certain amount of time. It could have ended that way.

  “Pride, I believe. He was at his prime. My age now.” Gibson snorted. “He was cocky and strong and powerful, and he wanted me dead. He’d stolen from our family and our cats, and he wanted to destroy my father and kill me. And I wasn’t going to allow it, even though I didn’t want to kill him. He was my uncle. Despite what he’d done, I loved him. He taught me a lot of what I know. I was one of his top men.

  “And I won. I didn’t just win but I won handily.” It had been the shortest challenge in jamboree history. He’d had his uncle’s blood on his hands and he’d hated it. But he’d done it. He hadn’t wanted his uncle to suffer, even though he’d been such an ass. He hadn’t wanted his father to suffer because Tomas was his brother, no matter what he’d done. Like Carlos was…had been his brother.

  And because of how quick it went and because he’d done it fast and clean, no playing, no teasing, it had solidified his support in the jamboree immediately.

  “You were meant to be Bringer, Gibson. If you hadn’t been, you wouldn’t have won so fast and so completely.”

  His uncle hadn’t even landed a single blow, though he’d tried. He’d underestimated Gibson all while overestimating himself. And it had been his undoing.

  But the other cats had taken it as fate that he was meant to be Bringer. Tomas’s wife had left that night with their children. Some of his other cousins had gone with them as well. It had taken two years for things to feel right again and he still missed his uncle from time to time.

  “It was, as they say, what it was. I’ve done my level best to hold the spot with honor and strength. To do right by my cats and my family. We haven’t always been able to do what was right or best. We hurt your family. My brother Carlos and one of my cousins betrayed us all and nearly got Renee and Kendra killed.” He hated that so much. Hated that Carlos had done so much damage. Hated that he’d had to play a part in his final sentence, with his father at his side.

  And part of Gibson hated that despite all the shitty things his brother had done, he still loved Carlos.

  “You can’t take responsibility for what other people do, Gibson. Only what you do.”

  “For all
I know, Carlos could have helped those fuckers nearly kill you. My brother might have been the person who stole your future.”

  “It doesn’t matter. His worst crime was what you had to do because of him. I hate him for that. His betrayal didn’t just end at what he did to Kendra.”

  Of all the things he’d expected from her, that was not it. She continued to surprise him with how perceptive she was. How giving she could be, especially with him. He’d never really spoken of that night he’d interrogated Carlos with their father at his side. Of the final sentence. He and his father had shared that grief, but they hadn’t spoken of it since then.

  But he couldn’t get drawn into that memory just then. He had other things to say. “I told you that because I think Bertram Simmons is really Tomas’s son, Alberto.”

  Her eyes widened. “Get out!”

  “I don’t know for sure. But I was going over the footage for the millionth time. Of when they entered the lobby of the jamboree building. And when he turned a certain way…I’d played that part of the video over and over and over again. Something was bugging me but I couldn’t figure out what. Then my father had come by to see Max and have him sign some papers, and he said something like, that boy looks a little like Serafina. That was my aunt. And I realized he did. Not very much like Tomas, but he had my aunt’s eyes. He’s the right age. The timelines are pretty close. Remember I said it looked like they didn’t really have a past until about fifteen years ago? I could totally be wrong, but I want to go down there and see for myself. I want to go into their houses to scent. I want to speak to the remaining members of the Bringer’s team and those around Bertram. I need to know.”

  She exhaled. “So you think this could be about them wanting revenge for you killing their dad? Fifteen years is a long time to wait.”

  “You should know more than most, jaguars are happy to wait and stew. We hold on to grudges a very long time.” He shrugged slightly. “He was younger then, my cousin. But he took the jamboree over relatively quick after arriving there. It’s in our blood, the power to lead. He could have just been biding his time. Or maybe he was going to live the rest of his life and something triggered this need for revenge and spurred him into action. I don’t know. But I need answers. And this is why I think it’s very dangerous and worry about you going.”

  “Too bad. I’ve got your back, Gibson.”

  “Dario has my back. That’s his job.”

  “You mean something very different to me than you do to Dario.”

  Stubborn.

  And he was glad for it. Because he wanted her there. Selfish or not, he wanted her there at his side when he went through all this. If it was his family, he’d still have to kill them if he found them. He hated it, but it was no less true or necessary. And she made him better, even when he knew what had to be done.

  “Look, this is difficult because it’s not just about the job. It’s not some random cat pulling shit; this could be your blood. And I promise not to tell anyone and all, but you’re gooey for the people you love. I know you’ll do what’s right. But I know there’s a cost and I don’t want you to pay it alone.”

  And what could he say to that? She touched him in ways he’d never really imagined before he’d met her. This hard-assed little cat with her perceptive gaze and wicked aim had stormed into his life and made herself at home. There was no fighting it anymore.

  “If you come with me you have to obey me. You’d be like any other member of my team.”

  “I know how to take orders, Gibson. Jamboree discipline and order is a lot like the military. I know what that is.”

  “So why don’t you obey me at home?”

  She laughed, delight washing over her features and evoking an answering smile.

  “Home is different. You’re not my Bringer at home. You’re my man at home. I don’t have to obey you there if you’re being a dumbass.”

  He shook his head. “Things would be more fun if you did obey me.”

  She shivered at the way he’d lowered his voice. “Don’t go using your sex voice to get me off track. I do obey you in that way. It’s really in my best interests as you’re quite awesome at anything to do with naked.”

  He sighed. “What am I going to do with you?”

  “I hope you’ve got some ideas. If not, I’m sure I can think up a few things.”

  “Let’s stop at Max and Kendra’s a moment. I want to talk with him about what I found out today. I can drop you at home first if you prefer.”

  She liked that he referred to his place as home for the both of them.

  “No, that’s fine. Kendra’s cool. Plus, I want to hear what you’ve got planned. Just in case you try to ditch me or something.”

  He snorted. “I’m not a weak-ass kitten. If I didn’t want you going, I’d say so and risk your wrath. As wraths go, it’s pretty spectacular anyway.”

  “I must tell you that your compliments are totally unique. Awesome. But only you could say those things and make me know you mean them as a positive.”

  “Hm.”

  He drove and she curled into the seat, just watching him. She was full to the point of bursting. Warm. Satisfied and in love.

  Oh she’d tried to tell herself it was a relationship and eventually her like would be love. But it already was and more than that, she was imprinting on him. There was no going back from how she felt about Gibson. Not anymore. And she didn’t want to. It didn’t matter what her family thought. She loved them and wanted them to approve, but she wasn’t going to give him up.

  “Wow, this is their house?” She sat up a little to take it in better. She sighted the guards. “Do you think three guards is enough?”

  “You can see them?” He put the car in park and turned to her.

  “Sure.” She pointed. “There on the left, over there in that tree and then north, at the back of the yard. We should have brought them something to eat.”

  He snorted. “God. Don’t say stuff like that. They have breaks to eat. Their job is to guard the alpha pair, not to have a quilting bee.”

  “You’re a dick. I’m sure they’d appreciate a sandwich.”

  “First of all, I can guarantee Kendra has been out there messing with their schedule with her cookies and snacks as it is. I can’t boss her around. But you, missy, you I can. You said you’d obey me.”

  She laughed then. Who’d have thought that he’d have such a great sense of humor?

  “Har.”

  “Second—and this is more interesting to me than Kendra giving my men brownies behind my back—you can see them. Why is that?”

  “What do you mean? They’re right there.”

  “Contrary to whatever you might think, bebe, they’re well hidden. It’s their job to be.”

  “Well I can see Matt right there.” She pointed.

  “Yes, you’re supposed to. He’s the clue that they’re being guarded. But the others? Not so much.” He looked out again and then back to her. “Tell me how you saw them. What drew your attention to them?”

  She cleared her throat and thought about it. “The one in the tree I saw when he moved a little. I can’t see him now, though. I caught the movement more than him. And then I focused and saw him clearer. The one to the left of the house, it was his eyes. I caught the gleam. Must have been a reflection of the headlights.”

  “Christ, Mia, that was like a millisecond. People don’t see that stuff.”

  “I’m not people. I’m a jaguar.”

  He took her hand. “No, really. You’re very perceptive.”

  “Would you have seen them?”

  “Yes. But I’m the Bringer. I’ve been trained for it. And this is more than military training so don’t tell me that. You have a gift.” He kissed her knuckles, leaving her flustered and flattered.

  “Well, um, thank you. And might I add that it only gives you yet another reason to take me along to Tennessee.”

  “And the last one. How did you see him?”

  “Her.” She peered th
rough the windshield again, waiting. “Ah, there. She needs to use something on the scope of her rifle. It’s shiny in one small spot. Likely where the matte has worn away. I can help her with that.”

  He shook his head, leaning across the center console to kiss her soundly. “You’re amazing.”

  “Thank you.” He left her breathless and warm as he went around to get her door.

  Kendra smiled and drew Mia into a hug when they came in. “Hello! What a nice treat to see you both.”

  Gibson kissed her cheek, and it was Mia who found herself digging her nails into her palms. This was his sister-in-law. She had to repeat it a few times, but Gibson turned to see the expression on her face and he had the audacity to grin.

  “Where’s my brother?”

  “Galen is here. There’s some sort of sport thing happening on that 70-inch television he convinced me it was so important to buy. It’s not even a current thing. It’s some old Super Bowl game for God’s sake.” She shook her head, but she was smiling.

  “Good, I need to talk with Galen too.”

  “Is this work stuff?” She frowned.

  “Yes.”

  “Well come on then. Renee!” She looked back to Mia. “I know it’s hard to see him hug me. Now that I’m a cat sometimes it happens to me too. I see Max hug or be affectionate with women and it makes me see red. Even our relatives and friends. It’s odd. Gibson knows it and he pokes at Max. I find it pretty funny because Max tries to pretend it’s nothing but he bares his teeth. Ha! Mister self-control loses his shit and it makes me laugh. I can’t help it. I’m sort of mean that way.” She patted Mia’s hand.

  “I grew up this way. It’s…I never expected…” Mia shrugged, not knowing how to explain it.

  “The de La Vega males are all unexpected I’ve found. They’re all great big softies once you scratch the surface.”

  There was a crash and they all rushed down the hall to find Galen and Max brawling. Renee stomped in and pulled Galen off by the ear. “You two! Honestly. Stop breaking his nose. It’s going to get crooked and he has such a pretty face.”