by Kasey Belle
Emma Grace’s smile widened showing off her dimples. She hugged Cathy around thighs. “Oh, thank you. I can’t wait to see what it is.”
The bathroom door opened, Luke walked out, announcing, “I’m finished, Mom. I told you I’d be fast. I’m dressed and ready to go. I think it’s a record. Did you time me?” He stopped dead in his tracks when he realized they weren’t alone.
“Good morning, Mr. Luke.”
He gave a wave and smile. “Morning, Ms. Fee.” He pointed at Emma Grace, who waved and smiled at Luke. “Who’s that?”
Cathy frowned at him. “Nice manners.”
Luke, looking properly admonished, apologized. Emma Grace skipped up to him and hugged him. It was the sweetest thing Cathy had ever seen. Emma Grace was such a loving little girl. Luke was completely taken back by the little girl’s show of affection, but once over the initial shock, looked kind of happy about it. Luke had such a kind and caring heart. Cathy once again said a silent prayer of thanks, to whoever was listening, that Luke was nothing like his father.
Emma Grace smiled up at Luke. “I’m Emma Grace. What’s yer name?”
“Luke.” He reached out, pulled one of her curls straight, and let it go. Smiling when it sprang back. “I like your hair. It’s like a bunch of springs.” Luke pulled her hair again, to prove the point.
Emma Grace’s face lit up, at the typical boyish compliment. “That’s what Jay says. You are gonna be my other bestest friend.”
“Isn’t he Grandma Maddie’s grandson?”
“Yep. He’s my other bestest friend. We will all be bestest friends together, kay? You can help me with my words like Jay does, so I can talk better.”
Luke scowled. “What’s wrong with your words? Did he say there was something wrong with them?”
“Noooo.” Emma Grace giggled. “Jay would never be mean to me. I have trouble saying some words and I am gonna start skewl next year. I don’t want the kids to make fun of me and I don’t want Jay to get into trouble.”
“Why would Jay get in trouble if other kids are mean to you? They shouldn’t be mean to you. That’s not right, Emma Grace.”
“I know day shouldn’t, but kids are sometimes mean. Jay said if kids made fun of me he would have to beat them up. His mommy wouldn’t like that and he would get in trouble. I don’t want that to happen.”
“I’d help him beat them up, too.” He thought for a minute then nodded. “Maybe I should help you with your words. Mom, wouldn’t like it if I got in trouble for fighting.”
Luke looked to Cathy for confirmation, but she couldn’t say anything. She was too shocked over how Luke made their temporary visit sound permanent. She would have to talk with him about that later when they were alone.
Fiona cleared her throat. “Cathy, if you don’t mind, Luke can go downstairs with us while you get ready.”
“Yeah, Mom, can I please? I don’t want to miss the French toast.”
“Grandma Maddie’s French toast is the best. You’ll like it.” She grabbed Luke’s hand and pulled him towards the door.
Even if she did mind, Cathy wouldn’t voice it. Luke looked extremely happy about the idea.
Fiona laid a hand on her arm. “He’ll be in good hands.”
“I know. Thanks, Fee. You be good for Ms. Fiona and listen to her. I won’t be long.”
“Okay, Mom. Come on Emma Grace, let’s go eat. I’m starving.”
“I’m going down stairs with Luke, kay Mommy?”
“Okay baby, I’ll be right behind you. Daddy and Da are already down there.”
Fifteen minutes later, Cathy stepped into the kitchen. Luke and Emma Grace chatted happily with Fiona and her men over syrup drenched French toast. She heard one of the French doors close and saw a dark haired man jogging down the deck steps.
Luke called to her, “That was Mr. Mal. He stopped by to say hi. He’s Mr. Declan and Mr. Cade’s cousin. He said, he’d be back later.” He indicated the empty chair next to him. “I saved you a seat, Mom.”
“Thank you, son.” Cathy sat down and Cade passed her the plate of French toast. “Mmm, smells good. Looks good, too.” She looked over at the older woman standing by the bar sipping hot tea. “Thank you, Maddie, this looks wonderful. Did you thank Ms. Maddie, Luke?”
“Grandma Maddie.” Maddie corrected. “He certainly did. You have a very polite son, Cathy.”
Cathy filled with pride, at Maddie’s declaration. She knew Luke was a good boy, polite, caring, giving, but it was nice when other’s recognized it, too. “Thank you. I like to think so.” She smiled at Luke.
Emma Grace was pointing excitedly and said, “Mommy, look!”
Cathy turned and looked towards the door. A tall well-muscled blonde man dressed head to toe like a stereotypical cowboy walked towards the back deck. An equally blonde little boy, about Luke’s age, walked next to him.
“Jay’s here, Mommy!”
Fiona gasped. “He is? Jay never comes over here.”
Emma Grace giggled, making everyone smile. “Nice sarcasm, Mommy. Ms. Cathy did you know that sarcasm is Mommy’s third language?”
“It is?”
“Yes, she talks like us, Cajun, and sarcasm.” Emma Grace nodded emphatically.
Cade groaned.
Fiona frowned at Cade. “What’s wrong?”
He nodded at Emma Grace. “You broke her.”
Fiona chuckled and Emma Grace shook her head. “I’m not brokeded, Daddy. See, I’m fine.”
Cade winked at Cathy and Luke, before donning an over-exaggerated, sad, pouty face. “No, yer broken. You speak sarcasm.” He sighed. “Whatever shall we do now?” He poked his lower lip out at Emma Grace, which only made her laugh harder.
Cathy realized Cade’s large size was deceptive. She didn’t doubt he could be a formidable opponent when needed, but he really was just a big kid at heart. He loved to tease and had a great sense of humor. She shook her head, feeling ridiculous at ever being afraid of this man.
“I don’t know about you, Cade, but I’m gonna continue to be the proud mother that I am. She’s a genius.”
The back door opened and Jay and the mystery man entered.
Emma Grace waved and bounced in her chair. “Hi, Jay.” She jumped down and met him halfway. She grabbed his hand and led him over to look. “I want you to meet Luke. He’s my new bestest friend.”
Jay stopped moving, seeing his crestfallen expression Cathy wanted to jump up and hug the poor kid. The other adults in the room froze in silence.
Jay’s lower lip quivered when he asked, “You don’t want to be my friend anymore, Emma Grace?”
Fiona went to jump up, and Cade stopped her. Cathy noticed the blonde man move in, and Declan held his hand out to stop him. Declan and Cade shared a smile over the Fiona’s head. What the hell?
Emma Grace gasped and rushed to hug Jay. “Of tourse not. I still want to be your friend. Luke’s going to be our other bestest friend.”
Jay’s little shoulders sagged in relief. He nodded and smiled at Emma Grace. “Okay.” He reached up and pulled one of Emma Grace’s curls.
Emma Grace grasped his hand and pulled him towards Luke. “Luke, this is Jay.”
The boys shook hands, smiling at each other like long-lost friends.
“Good to meet you, Jay. Emma Grace said you were helping her with her words. I’m going to help her, too. She said the other kids would make fun of her. If that happens, I’ll help you beat them up. No one should make fun of Emma Grace.”
Jay grasped Luke’s shoulder. “Just so you know, we can only be best friends with Emma Grace, until she is much older. When she gets old enough, we can make her ours. She has to go to college first. Ms. Fee said so. After that, we can marry her and take care of her forever. We’ll be partners.”
Cathy’s mouth fell open in shock, not only at the Jay’s declaration, but also at Luke’s acceptance of it. She definitely had to talk with Luke, sooner rather than later.
Fiona cursed under her breath, her
head fell to the table. “No, no, no. Why do the fates hate me?”
Chapter 6
Paul drove under the arch marking the entrance to the Double C Ranch. He turned right onto the dirt road which went around the east pasture that would take him to the private driveway of his home. Man, he was happy to be home. Last night had been a long one.
His house came into view and he saw his youngest brother Mal sitting in one of the rockers on his porch, waiting for him. Paul sighed. Damn, so much for sleep. His brother raised his chin in greeting as Paul put the truck in park.
“What are you doing here?” Paul asked as he exited the truck.
Mal’s eyebrows disappeared into the shaggy black hair that fell over his forehead. Paul winced. He hadn’t meant to sound so rude. Mal knew Paul pulled an all-nighter and wouldn’t be here, if it wasn’t important.
“Good morning to you too, brother mine.”
Paul sighed as he made his way up the steps to the front door. “Why are you waiting out here and not inside?”
Mal shrugged, his eyes dancing with amusement, as usual. “I figured, I had less chance of you shooting me.”
Paul glowered at him that only amused Mal further. Paul gritted his teeth. “Ha. Ha. Come on in.” He made his way to kitchen.
“It was bad last night?”
“Fuck yeah. I hate single car accidents. It usually means the victim either encountered a wild animal or they did it to themselves.”
“I’m guessing it was the latter?”
Paul removed his service weapon and badge and laid them on the counter. “Driver was drunk and seventeen.”
“Fuck.”
“Exactly. Looking into a parent’s eyes and telling them their kid is dead, is in the top three of what sucks most about my job.”
Mal put a consoling hand on Paul’s shoulder and squeezed. “I’m sorry, man. Who was it?”
“Devin Wilkes’ oldest.”
“Devin Wilkes? The manager at the hardware store?”
“Yeah.” Paul shook his head. He didn’t want to talk about it anymore. Paul pulled the coffee filters down from the cabinet. “You want some coffee? I sure as fuck need some.”
“God, yes, I haven’t had any yet.”
“What’s going on? You usually have a whole pot in you by now.”
“I stopped by the main house.”
“I planned to head over there myself, after I got some sleep and a shower.”
“Dec said, he called you. I went over there for the same reason. I wanted to see what’s going on with their surprise visitor.”
When Mal didn’t continue Paul prompted him, “And?”
“I only caught a glimpse of her as she was coming downstairs. She’s definitely scared. Something sent her running here. According to Dec and Cade, she hasn’t said what exactly.”
“I could have found that out with one phone call. That’s not why you’re here.”
Mal took a deep breath and rubbed the back of his neck. “No. Um, there’s something about her. Her scent called to me.”
Paul took a deep breath and tamped down his jealousy. Not that he didn’t wish his brother happiness, he did, but Paul longed for a mate. He clapped his hand on Mal’s shoulder. “Congratulations? I guess. How do you feel about that? I thought your mate would be a man.”
A wide-eyed Mal looked at him, shaking his head in denial. “What? No, she’s not my mate, thank the Fates. I don’t do the girl parts.” Paul grinned at Mal’s exaggerated full body shudder.
“She’s not your mate?”
Mal shook his head. “Nope.”
Paul wouldn’t admit how much it relieved him to know his cousin’s mystery guest wasn’t Mal’s mate. Thinking it was bad enough, admitting it would make him a bastard of the highest order.
“I feel like I need to protect her, as if she’s important us. She calls to me, like a… a sister, I guess. She belongs in our family, but she’s not my mate.” Mal gave him a meaningful look.
“In other words, she belongs to me or Kell. Are you sure?”
“Pretty sure. Her scent doesn’t lie. I called Kell on my way here. He should be pulling up any minute. I figured we would head over there together.”
Paul stood at the kitchen sink and gazed the window. He loved his little backyard oasis. He built it for his mate and cubs. That was almost four years ago.
Mal touched his right shoulder. “She could be yours, Paul.”
“She could be Kell’s.” Paul countered.
“She could belong to both of you.”
Paul shook his head. “We’ve never had the bond of mating partners. Not that I would trade that for the bond we share as brothers because I wouldn’t.”
“I know. Me either.” They headed to the front door when they heard Kell’s car coming up the drive. “Enough of this touchy feely mushy stuff. Let’s go and see which one of you she belongs to.” Mal rubbed his hands together and waggled his eyebrows.
Paul laughed and shook his head. His little brother always had a way of calming him.
They climbed into Kell’s truck and made the short trip to the main house. It was quiet inside the truck, the tension high. Kell pulled around curved drive and stopped in front of the porch. Kell stopped Paul as he climbed out of the truck.
Kell looked him in the eye, smiled, and said, “I hope she yours.”
That shocked the shit out Paul. “Why would you wish that for me? I know how much you want a mate.”
Kell gave him a small smile. “Because you are the oldest. It’s the way it should be.”
Paul hung his head in shame. “I’m such a bastard. I wish I could say the same to you. I will be happy if she is yours, but I’ll be jealous as hell.”
Kell laughed. “No worries, and you’re not a bastard. You’re just getting old and crotchety.” Paul took a swipe at Kell who laughed even harder as he ducked out of the way.
Mal stood in front of the truck smiling and shaking his head. “Come on you two, let’s get this show on the road.”
The scent hit Paul when Mal opened the front door. A rich, dark scent that reminded him of the chocolate shop, he took Emma Grace and Jay to last weekend. Mal and Kell ran into his back, as he stood there, frozen, taking in the sweet, decadent, and sinful scent of his mate. A growl started low in his belly and rose to his throat. The hair on the back of his neck stood on end and every muscle in his body tightened in response to the close proximity of his mate. His cock, stood at attention and pressed against his zipper, demanding to be buried as deep inside his mate’s pussy. Paul’s canines lengthened. His wolf fought for release, the need to claim their mate, uncontrollable. Mal and Kell pulled him outside, shutting them out on the porch.
He turned on them and growled, “You will not keep me from my mate.”
“Dude.” Mal’s lips twitched as he fought a smile, the humor evident in his eyes. “We are saving you from yourself, big brother. You were ready to go on a claiming rampage. She’s human and according to Dec, she doesn’t have a clue what we are. You need to take a few deep breaths and get your beast under control before you fuck this up.”
Paul closed his eyes and took control of his wolf, which wasn’t an easy task. Mal was right. If he went in there, full throttle, all canines and cock, he would terrify her.
Kell slapped him on the back. “Come on brother, you’re a big bad Dom. Where’s that dominant control you’re so proud of, that has those uncollared subs begging for your attention?”
He opened his eyes and looked at his brothers’ smiling faces.
“Congratulations by the way.” Mal said.
Kell nodded. “Yeah, but maybe we shouldn’t start suckin’ each other’s dicks just yet.” He said with a smile, “She still has to meet him. Big bro isn’t known for his game.”
Paul growled. Kell laughed and let them back in the house.
Paul ordered his body on lockdown as he reentered the foyer. Although he knew what to expect, his mate’s scent hit him in the chest and nearly stole
his hard fought control, once again. He took a calming breath and looked at his brothers, who were waiting patiently on him to get his shit together.
“What does she look like?” He asked Mal, stalling for a bit more time.
Mal shook his head and smiled. “No way. I am not spoiling, what is about to be, the greatest moment of your life. I want a real-time reaction for the camera.”
“You are not filming it.” He gritted his teeth.
“Okay,” Mal blinked innocently. “Can we go now?”
Paul thought he was prepared to come face to face with the one the fates deemed as his other half, but he wasn’t. The first thing he noticed, was her hair; long and curly, the color a mixture of gold, orange, dark red, and copper. She was smiling and nodding at Fiona. She froze, as if she could feel him watching her. She looked up at him and he forgot to breathe. He expected green eyes to go along with her vibrant red hair, not the haunted violet eyes staring back at him.
His noticed the tension around her eyes and mouth. He could smell the fear and anxiety coming off of her in waves. His mate should never feel anything but love and happiness, especially in relation to him.
The room around them disappeared and Cade mumbled “Oh, shit.” Paul continued to stare at his mate. He felt the others staring at him, but he couldn’t find it in him to care. She was gorgeous. She was perfect. She was his. She was here, finally here.
Kell nudged him, breaking the spell. Paul cleared his throat and gave his mate what he hoped was a non-threatening reassuring smile. When she blushed and looked away, he knew he got it wrong. He obviously sent her a ‘you are mine I can’t wait to fuck you’ leer. Damn it!
His cock was rock hard in his jeans. Thank the fates he had on tight boxer-briefs or she would have run screaming from the room.
“Paul?” Declan asked, looking at him with raised eyebrows.
Paul knew what he wanted to know. He gave Declan an almost imperceptible nod. Paul’s affirmation had both Cade and Declan flashing a quick smile.
“What’s going on?” Fiona asked looking between her to mates and then at Paul. Declan or Cade must have filled her in using their mating link, because she yelled, “No way? Are shitting me?”
