Chapter Thirteen
Courtney’s hands sweated and her stomach turned as Adam sat the helicopter down on the compound’s landing strip. Her mother stood not more than twenty feet away with two men. It was almost enough to beg Adam to fly them away. She wasn’t ready to deal with her mother, and maybe she never would be.
Leaving home had been the one thing that made her grow up. No longer was her mother there being overbearing, driving her crazy at every move. She had come into herself, and she wasn’t willing to go back to the way it was.
“It’s going to be fine,” Milo reassured her. “Lisa is only worried about you.”
She wanted to say that her mother never worried about her, only tried to control her. That was all she did her whole life, why would this time be any different? Instead she kept her mouth shut and nodded for Milo to open the door. She took Tad’s hand in hers and gave it a squeeze.
“We’re right by your side, always.” Tad gave her a quick kiss before releasing her and letting her slip out of the helicopter.
“Courtney!” Lisa called through the slow whipping of the blades as the helicopter shut down. She looked the same as when Courtney took off to Texas, the same attitude of control radiating off her. Her short curly hair framed her face, making her look younger than she actually was.
Courtney looked to Milo and took his hand for comfort.
“Mom, it’s good to see you.” Her mom rushed forward, wrapping her arm around Courtney. Instantly, every muscled in her body tensed.
“Oh baby, I’m so glad you’re okay.” She stepped back and looked behind Courtney. “Taddybear.” She held her arms open, waiting for him to come to her.
“Lisa, it’s a pleasure to see you again.”
“Thank you both for keeping her safe.” Lisa stepped back, looking at the three of them.
“We can’t take all the credit, but what matters is she’s here.” Tad placed his hand on the small of her back.
The gesture helped calm her, but had the opposite affect on her mother. Lisa’s eyes widened, and she took a step backward.
“I explained this, Lisa.” A man with shoulder length black hair stepped up next to her. The hard look in his eyes and the way he carried himself made it clear he was in charge.
“That’s Raja, the clan’s Lieutenant. The other man is Marcus, his brother-in-law,” Tad explained.
“It can’t be.” Lisa’s voice trembled. “I don’t want this for her.”
“Lisa, I told you Tad, Milo, and Courtney were mated. I tried to warn you before they arrived. What you want doesn’t matter in this case, it was Courtney’s decision and it’s clear what she chose.” Raja tried to calm Lisa.
“No, I won’t have it. I had such big plans for her.”
Courtney let out a deep exhale. “Mom, stop this. This is my life. I make the decisions for myself now.”
“You don’t understand what you’re getting involved with. Did they even tell you what they are? The danger that they possess, that surrounds them? Damn it, Courtney, this life isn’t for you.”
“I know all about it, and I’ve made my decision. Now if you’ll excuse us, we would like to see Tad’s brother and assess how he’s healing.” She nodded to Tad, who led them around the still wide-eyed Lisa and toward the buildings.
Raja’s voice rang out behind them. “Lisa, if you continue to act as you have, I’ll have you returned to your house in Nome. You might be a close friend of the Browns, which is why we’ve opened our home to you, but I will not stand for you to discriminate against my members. Courtney is now a member of this clan through her connection with Milo and Tad.”
“She’s my daughter!” Anger heated Lisa’s voice.
Milo glanced back, frowning. “Lisa is not putting herself in the good graces of the clan with her comments,” he said sadly.
Courtney tensed. “I’m sorry if her attitude causes problems with your Alpha and Lieutenant. She does this wherever she goes.”
Milo gave her hand a gentle squeeze. “No, if she continues to stir trouble the Elders will force her to leave. We have too much happening at the moment to concern ourselves with someone who is against us because of what we are.”
“I’ve known Lisa for years and never realized she had an underlying hatred to our kind. After I’ve looked in on Taber, I’ll speak with her to see what has her so angry.” Tad looked off into the distance for a moment before continuing. “I thought Hazel might have told her years ago that we were to be mated. I thought that’s why she came up with that little nickname for me.”
“Don’t worry about her, she has insane mood swings. I wouldn’t be surprised if in an hour she finds us and welcomes you to the family with open arms. She’s always been like that.” She glanced to each of them. “It doesn’t matter to me. I’ve made my decision, I want to be with you both, nothing will change that. In a few days she’ll be gone and I won’t hear from her for months. We’ve never been close, no matter what she tells people.”
“She’s still your mother. Someday that relationship might be repaired. We’ll do what we can to make sure there isn’t a grudge because of us.” Milo stopped and pulled her close to him. “Love means making sure your mate is happy. If we have to deal with a little anger from Lisa while she accepts this, we will.”
Tad moved to stand in front of them, not touching but watching them closely. “We love you, Courtney.”
“Oh Tad!” She reached out to him and drew him into their embrace, tears formed in her eyes. “I already realized I’d fallen in love with you two. I just couldn’t bring myself to say it for fear I’d lose you.”
“You won’t ever lose us.” Milo wrapped his other arm around Tad and they stood there as minutes passed by, none of them wanting the moment to end.
After years of being alone, she had finally found where she belonged. She belonged with them, preferably naked in bed snuggled between them. Finally, everything was falling into place.
Tad kissed her forehead. “Come on, let’s get you out of the cold.”
“One last thing. With my mother acting as she is, that’s not going to cause problems with your clan accepting me, will it?” The fear of not living up to what the clan wanted from her made her voice shaky. If they didn’t accept her, it could cause problems for Milo and tension between them.
“There’s no reason to concern yourself with that. The Elders and the clan won’t hold any of Lisa’s action against you.” Milo caressed her cheek with the backs of his fingers. “Everyone is going to welcome you with open arms. You have nothing to worry about, sweetie.”
“Are you guys going to stand outside all day or actually come in and introduce us to your woman?” Looking toward the voice, there was a man standing on the porch. It had to be one of Tad’s brother. The dark hair and build was nearly identical.
“Thorben.” Tad took hold of her hand and led them forward. “How’s Taber?”
“A cantankerous fool.” Thorben opened the door as they neared.
“Quit making a bad impression on our new family members.” Another male voice called from inside the house, sounding as irritable as Thorben had described.
“It’s okay, darling, I swear he doesn’t bite.” Tad pulled her along with him as he made his way inside to where Taber was laying on the sofa, his mate with him.
“Don’t lie to her.” Thorben plopped down on the chair closest to his mates, rubbing his forearm. “That bastard has a ferocious bite.”
“Hey, I don’t want to know what goes on behind closed doors.” Tad looked appalled by the thought.
“Shut up, Tad. I bit Thorben when he pulled out the bullet. The bastard did it while I was unconscious. He got what was coming to him.” Taber shot a look at Thorben, one that was full of daggers.
“Ignore them. I’m Kallie, I’m sure you’ve already gathered this rather irritable man is Taber, my other mate.” The woman between the men shook her head, drawing Courtney’s attention. The white streaks in her long curly brown hair made her
wonder why anyone would want such striking highlights.
She forced her gaze away from the woman’s hair and focused on Kallie. “I’m Courtney, but I guess you already knew that.”
“Don’t be nervous, we’re family. Have a seat and make yourself at home.”
Tad led her around to the other side of the sectional, Milo coming up behind them. “How are you doing, Taber?”
“I’m fine.” Taber growled. “I wish everyone would stop hovering.”
“We only hover because we love you.” Kallie smoothed her hand over his shoulder. “He was shot in the chest, just missing his heart. Too damn close for my tastes, but it was a through and through shot. A lot of blood was lost, so he’s supposed to be resting for a few days, to give his body time to heal the remaining injuries Bethany wasn’t able to heal.”
“You said Thorben pulled the bullet out,” Milo said, confused.
“He was hit in the shoulder as well, that’s what Thorben pulled out,” Kallie explained over Taber’s growling, as she laced her free hand through Thorben’s.
“You’re supposed to miss the bullets, you dumb animal.” Tad scolded his brother.
Before Taber could come up with a witty comment, Kallie spoke up. “Bears are big targets, he was easier to hit than us sleek tigers.” She winked at Milo.
Courtney nodded in understanding. “You’re a…”
“Tigress,” Kallie supplied. “I change into a white tigress, hence the white stripes in my hair.”
“Milo doesn’t have orange highlights from his tiger. Does it only affect women?”
Deafening silence settled over them, making her feel uncomfortable before Thorben scooted closer to Kallie, wrapping his other hand over their already joined ones. “Kallie spent years locked in her tigress form. Thankfully for us, she didn’t lose herself to her beast. The consequences for those years show in her hair.”
Courtney swallowed, feeling awful she asked. “I’m sorry.”
“It’s fine.” Kallie smiled. “I don’t like to talk about my life before I met my mates, but as you can see it’s part of me. Hell, it’s what led me to find them, and I wouldn’t change that.”
“Dad tells me you almost thumped Turi. What did the boy do now?” Taber ran his hand down his mate’s arm, clearing willing to change the subject to ease her discomfort.
“That idiot brother of ours cornered Courtney and started to tell her about Rosemarie. I ended up telling them.” Tad laced his fingers through Milo’s, bringing the trio’s connection to its fullest. “It wasn’t his place. I swear that boy’s never going to learn to keep his mouth shut. If anyone gives away the family secret, it’s going to be him.”
“Turi’s always been the most open and outspoken of us. He should have come to you before going to your mate, but it needed to come out. They deserved to know.” Taber yawned.
“You need rest for your body to finish healing.” Tad rose, bringing Milo and Courtney with him. “The day after tomorrow, we’re going to Minnesota to attend to some business for Ty, but when that’s done we’ll be back. Just don’t get your stupid ass shot again.”
“Give it to him,” Taber ordered, looking back at his twin.
“We’ve arranged for you to have cabin twelve.” Thorben stood, pulling a key from his pocket. “Milo’s place is too small for the three of you, and this cabin is at the far end of the compound close to the creek and near us.” He tossed the key to Tad.
He left go of Courtney’s hand and caught the key midair. “Thank you.”
“There’s enough room for your cabin to be built next to ours if you’re going to make this your home. It would be nice to have you guys as neighbors. I’m sure Courtney and I will be close friends in no time, as we try to escape from the four of you,” Kallie suggested. “If you’re going back to the island, I’m sure Mom would be thrilled to have you.”
With a smile, Tad glanced to Milo. “Actually, we’ve agreed to stay here. Milo’s position in the clan means a lot to him, and Dad isn’t giving up his role so there’s little we can do for the sleuth now anyway. When we return from Minnesota, we’ll speak to the construction crew.”
“Very good. Have a safe trip if we don’t see you before you leave,” Kallie called after them as they left.
Outside, Tad looked down at Courtney. “I want you and Milo to go to the cabin, I need to find Lisa and see what got her so worked up.”
“Don’t worry about her.”
“I must, this is so unlike her.” He dropped the key into her hand. “I’ll be there soon.”
“If he can help Lisa see what she’s doing, it’s worth a try. Come on, sweetie.” Milo slid his arm around her waist and led the way to the cabin as Tad made his way in the opposite direction.
“This is stupid, she’ll never see what she’s doing.”
“He has to try, as I would if I was in his shoes. You’re our mate, and no matter how much you deny it her actions affect your happiness. You just want her to let you live your life, to care about your happiness. If Tad can get that to happen, it will make you feel better. He’s doing it for you.” Milo’s fingers teased along the waistband of her jeans. “That’s our cabin.”
She looked to where he nodded. A charming log cabin sat nestled amongst the trees. A large porch dominated the front, and a few feet away a creek flowed, the sound of the water instantly relaxing her. “It’s beautiful.”
Quickly climbing the steps to the deck, she was anxious to see what the inside looked like. Milo slid the key into the lock, pushed the door open, and stepped back. She was overwhelmed by the space. It was larger inside than she thought it would be. She stepped inside, moving out of the way so Milo could get out of the chilly air. A large cream sectional stretched in front of a fireplace, acting as a divider to the kitchen. It was very open and airy. The creamy brown walls added character and color to the place, and drew out the warm tones of the hardwood.
She wandered toward the kitchen, where the warm honey color wood cabinets highlighted the gold of the granite countertop. A gourmet six burner stove and double ovens made her smile. It was everything she needed to make delicious sweets for her men.
“There are two bedrooms in the back. Does it suit you okay for now?”
“It’s perfect.” She turned to face him. “Two bedrooms?”
“Yes. This cabin is normally used for visitors. Why?”
“I just thought…”
“Just because they’re there, doesn’t mean they both have to be used.” He smirked and came toward her, quickly picking her up and setting her on the counter. “My amazing mate.” He kissed her, claiming her as his again.
Chapter Fourteen
Tad watched as Lisa paced the room. He had been there for over ten minutes and still hadn’t gotten any useful answers out of her. She was furious that Courtney had mated without consulting her mother first.
“Lisa, please sit down and tell me what the hell has you so worked up.”
“Worked up? You bastard…you let my only daughter mate with him.” She spit out him as if it was a bad word.
“Milo?”
“Don’t you stand there and act like you don’t know what I’m talking about. How could you?”
He ran his hand over his face, completely put off by her attitude. Taking a deep breath, he reminded himself he was doing it for Courtney. “Lisa, it wasn’t your decision. Mating is stronger than anything you’ve ever felt before, but even with that she made her decision. I don’t understand what you have against Milo, and frankly I don’t care. He is our mate. What I do care about is what you’re doing to Courtney.”
“What I’m doing? What about what he will do to her?”
“She is in no danger, she has two mates to protect her.”
“Bullshit.” She threw the glass in her hand at the wall, shattering it.
If he didn’t get her under control quickly, Ty would have her removed from the grounds. “What do you think he’s going to do to her?”
“I’ve hea
rd what tigers do to their mates. She won’t survive the first time he’s mated with her. You’re going to let him kill my daughter!”
He almost laughed at the absurd idea. “Not that it’s any of your business, we’ve already mated with her. Nothing’s going to change the fact that Milo and I are your daughter’s mates. Now I don’t know what you’ve heard, but obviously they’re lies. You’ve seen her for yourself, she’s uninjured.”
She stopped pacing and stared at him. “Tigers are dangerous.”
“And bears aren’t?”
“Damn it, Tad, how could you let this happen? Hazel told me she’d end up with a bear and another. I assumed it would be a human or another bear. Not a tiger. Courtney deserves a normal life, not surrounded by danger. At least with you, she’d be safe on the island. She’s my only daughter, I don’t want her killed because your kind has enemies.”
“I think your problem is that you can’t see us as anything but animals.” Tad narrowed his eyes. “You’re referring to us as if we’re inferior. We’re people just like you and we deserve to be treated as such.”
“Your family might be close to human, but the rest of these animals…they’re just that, animals.”
Before he could suppress it, a growl vibrated the walls. Anger and hurt welled up within him.
“See!” She pointed to him, her eyes wide. “You’re an animal. Humans can’t do that. I’ll tell the world what you are if it means getting my daughter back. They’ll destroy this compound as soon as the news hits.”
“You have been a friend of my family for years, but now your true nature comes out. I believe you would do just as you threaten, even if it meant your daughter’s life.” He pulled out his cell phone, pressed a couple buttons, and brought it to his ear. “Ty, I need a guard for Lisa, and if you could meet me at cabin twelve, there’s something that needs to be discussed in the presence of my mates.”
“I’ll send Styx and meet you there.”
“I’ll wait for Styx, then I need to swing past and grab Thorben so I’ll be there in ten minutes.” He ended the call and met Lisa’s gaze. “You have created this mess, and you’ll have to deal with it.”
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