Grinning, Malik kept looking down. “Turns out your fears may be warranted.”
“Yer nae upset about Bethany or learning you have a true mate,” said Striker, keeping his head back and his eyes closed still. “Yer pissed at yerself for nae being there for them both all this time.”
Malik tensed. “Honestly, I hate myself for it. The reason I didn’t say anything at first after Brooke told me I was a father was because I was processing it all, hating myself for how I’d spoken to Brooke, and for not being there for her or my daughter. And I was trying to find the right words to say to her. My brain blanked.”
“Aye. But the lass dinnae see it that way,” added Striker, folding his hands on his lap and continuing to lounge against the wall. “In her eyes, you used her to get yer rocks off, threw her out of yer life, left her pregnant with yer babe, and left her alone to raise Bethany.”
“I know.” Malik sighed. “You know how long I’ve been searching for her. Hell, you’ve helped me the entire way.”
“Aye,” said Striker. “She was nae there to see the look of horror on yer face in that hotel room when you finally were able to cage yer beast. She dinnae see you have to be tranqed by Boomer in the front entrance to the resort, when you’d learned she and Edee had been taken against their wills. She was nae there to witness you refusing to eat, to even shower and shave, when we first got back to the States, because yer only focus was finding her. And she could nae read yer mind when you learned you were a father.”
“Want to tell me how you became such a fountain of wisdom when it comes to relationships, women, and handling children?” asked Malik halfheartedly.
Striker peeked out of one eye at him. “Och, Tut, I’m nae an expert at women. They confuse me too. But I’ve spent centuries fucking up when it comes to them. So I am an expert at how to fuck it up. I just took that expertise and reversed it.”
With a snort, Malik sat up and stretched. “The guys and I tend to forget that under all the bravado, all the joking, and all the focus on hot chicks, you’re just like the rest of us. You want something more but admitting it goes against your manly code. Makes you feel vulnerable.”
“Speaking from experience there, Tut?”
Malik stretched his legs out. “Yes. I spent my life bedding endless women. Without them, my lion would have been too on edge, too volatile. My father was the one who told me when I was in my teens that I needed to spend time in the harem room at least several times a week or risk losing myself to my beast.”
“Malik,” said Striker slightly. “I know you do nae like the man who fathered you. I’ve been yer friend long enough to pick up on that fact. And I do nae think you were particularly fond of yer mother either.”
“No,” replied Malik with a snort before he stiffened. “I turned into my father. He used to bed everything he could. He was, uh, different from most shifters. Even though he mated my mother, he wasn’t bound by the same rules of mating as the rest of us are. He would fuck random women all through our home, in the bath while my mother was there, having to watch him do it. It was as if he wanted to punish her for being his mate. Punish her for not being Egyptian and for the fact his sons weren’t fully Egyptian then either.”
Striker grunted.
“I don’t think he ever saw her as a worthy mate. Like he wanted her to pay for him being stuck with her if he wanted sons,” Malik said, his chest tightening. “I know he forced them on her. And I know she resented my brothers and me because of her hatred for my father.”
Striker touched his shoulder. “Tut, no offense but yer father sounds like he was a bag of dicks, and yer mother does nae sound like a winner either. While you may have been like yer father to a point with all the women over the years, yer nae him. When Brooke told me you asked her to marry you and live with you, I knew you’d fallen for her. We all thought she was just a human. Not one of us smelled supernatural on her. I smell it now. But then, there was nothing.”
Malik closed his eyes. “I should have sensed she was more. When I was with her, buried deep, fighting my beast, I swore I felt Fae power around us. It vanished almost instantly. How did I not see it for what it was? Brooke.”
“Because yer a cat-shifter and yer slow and dim-witted,” said Striker evenly. “You cannae be faulted for yer deficiencies. Look at it this way: in the end, you got a super-sexy wife, and a daughter who is precious.”
Malik nodded. “Bethany is so beautiful, smart, and funny.”
“Thankfully, she looks like her mother but with yer hair and eyes. Yer an ugly sod,” Striker said, keeping his head back. “I wouldnae want you as a father, but I’m nae a four-year-old little girl. She may verra well think yer great. Plus, in case yer a dick, she’ll have me, Uncle Striker.”
Malik laughed softly. “Thanks. I think. Want to tell me how it is you’re so good with kids and why I never noticed it before?”
His friend jerked slightly, as if the question pained him. “Aye, I’m so guid with them because I’m a giant child. I can relate to them.”
Malik highly doubted that was the actual reason.
“I know you’ve been fighting the urge to go into that room and hold yer daughter,” said the wolf-shifter.
“All I want to do is pack her and Brooke up and take them home with me. I want to give them everything they’ve ever wanted, and I want to be the father I should have been all these years. But how do I tell Bethany who I am to her? It’s one thing for her cat to recognize me, but she wasn’t awake when she did that. How do I look at her and explain that I wasn’t there for her or her mommy when they needed me most? How do I explain missing the first four years of her life? And how do I make Brooke see how much I love her? How much I want to be with her forever? And how sorry I am?”
Striker shrugged. “Tell Brooke that you love her and let her sort out her feelings for you on her own. And you could just look at Bethany and say, lass, I’m yer father, and be done with it. Seems simple enough to me. You cat-shifters complicate everything.”
A tiny gasp came from the other side of the door to the bedroom Edee and Bethany were in. Bethany opened the door enough to peek out with one eye. She stared at Malik like she wasn’t sure she believed what she’d just heard.
Striker sat up fast. “Shite.”
Bethany’s eyes widened more. “That’s a bad word.”
Malik stood and swallowed hard. “Princess, what are you doing up?”
“I had a bad dream.” She opened the door more, narrowing her gaze on Malik. She walked out of the room and moved close to Striker, watching Malik closely. Bethany climbed onto Striker’s lap and touched his wild beard. “Give it to me straight, Uncle Striker. Is that guy my dad?”
Striker looked at Malik, and Bethany pushed his other cheek, making him focus on her. “You tell me straight or I’m waking up Aunt Edee, who told me she always wants to kick you in the shins when she sees you.”
Striker’s lips twitched. “You’ve a lot of yer father in you. He’s stubborn too.”
She gave him the stink eye. “Spill it, bucko.”
Striker laughed and tried to hide his amusement with the child. “I think you should ask him. That’s nae for me to tell you.”
“Chicken,” she said.
Striker put his hand on her back. “Aye.”
Bethany looked at Malik. “Well?”
He took a deep breath, unsure how to handle the situation. He didn’t want Brooke even madder at him, but he desperately wanted to tell Bethany the truth.
“Yes, sweetie. He’s your father,” said Brooke from behind him.
He gasped and spun around in the chair to find Brooke standing there, wearing a thin, short nightgown. There were dark circles under her eyes.
Striker grunted. “Och, the two of you are like ninjas. I dinnae hear either of you up and about.”
Malik stood fast. “I’m sorry. I didn’t think she was awake. I’ll go.”
Brooke touched his chest as she walked past him. “Bethany, do you have any qu
estions for Malik or me?”
She nodded. “Is Daddy going to live with us now? Are we going to be a real family?”
Malik found himself rubbing Brooke’s back, moving even closer to her. “Princess, I did some things that I have to make up for. You’re too young to understand what I’m saying, but one day you will. I’ll be in your life as much as I can be. As much as Mommy says is okay.”
Brooke bent and touched Bethany’s cheek. “Daddy and I will discuss what will happen from here.”
Bethany glanced at Striker. “That didn’t sound like a yes to me.”
Striker pursed his lips. “Was nae a no either.”
Bethany smiled and tugged on Striker’s beard. “Can I keep you? I’ve always wanted a dog.”
Striker’s eyed widened. “I’m nae a dog.”
“I know,” said Bethany, giggling and leaning against his chest. “Mommy, Uncle Striker is gonna tell me a bedtime story and then he’s gonna come in the room and sleep in the big chair there. Aunt Edee will feel better. She’ll know she’s safe too. You go talk to Daddy.”
“Bethany.” Brooke tried to lift Bethany, but she clung to Striker.
“You told me that when you’re upset or sad it’s important to talk about your feelings,” said Bethany. “And that hugs make everything better. Hug her, Daddy, quick. I’ll get to keep you and get a dog.”
Malik laughed softly. “I’ll see what I can do, princess. How about I tuck you in and I watch over you tonight?”
Bethany gave him a look that said he was talking crazy. “How are you gonna get Mommy to stop being mad at you if you’re with me? Oh boy, you’re gonna take a lot of work. Aunt Edee says all men need trained like a puppy. I get it now.”
Brooke laughed. “There are days I really worry about her influence on you. Why don’t you come sleep in my bed with me?”
A calculated look came over Bethany’s face. “Okay, but only if Daddy gets to come too. And only if Uncle Striker will sleep in the big chair in the other room to watch over Aunt Edee so she can sleep and not be afraid.”
Striker beamed. “She’s got a future in politics.”
“I don’t know what that means, but if it means I get a dog and a dad, I’m okay with that,” said Bethany.
Brooke met Malik’s gaze. “If you want to stay in there with us, you can.”
“Yes,” he said quickly, when he really wanted to jump for joy.
Bethany touched Striker’s cheek. “Promise you’ll watch over Aunt Edee. She’s not as tough as she looks. She cries a lot in her sleep.”
Malik went to Bethany and lifted her into his arms. “You don’t have to worry, princess. Striker will make sure she’s safe.”
“Aye. Though I do nae want to be gelded so I’ll stay right here.”
Brooke smiled at Striker. “There are two queen beds in there. I know you’re taller than a queen bed is long, but it’s better than trying to sleep out here. And Edee will pretend she’s mad at you come morning, but she’ll be very grateful to know someone she trusts was there to make sure she was safe. Armand sometimes holds her at night so she can sleep.”
Striker stood and stretched. “Okay, but if I’m missing vital parts come morning, I’m blaming you.”
“What does that mean?” asked Bethany.
Malik grunted at Striker. “Nothing, princess. Let’s go get some sleep.”
Brooke took Malik’s hand in hers, and he recognized the act as the olive branch it was. He squeezed her hand gently as she led him towards the bedroom. He went in expecting two queen beds, but found just a king there. He paused in the doorway. “Brooke?”
Her hand went to his chest. “I’m trying.”
He lowered his gaze. “Thank you.”
She ran her hand up his chest to his neck, as she teared up.
Bethany put her lips near Malik’s ear and whispered, “This is where you kiss her, Daddy.”
“Princess, I don’t think Mommy would like it if I did that.”
His mate eased up against him and then did a group hug.
Bethany kissed Malik’s cheek and then leaned and kissed her mother’s. “See, we’re a family.”
Malik couldn’t help but squeeze his girls tighter to him, desperate to make it a reality. To be a real family. The next he knew, he was staring into his mate’s eyes. He wanted to kiss her, but he understood she wasn’t ready for that yet.
Brooke nodded to the bathroom. “You’ve got dried blood on you. Go on in and shower.”
He touched her chin. “Brooke.”
She bit her lower lip and stepped away. “I’ll get you something to put on. Don’t take this wrong, but I think you and Gram are the same size. He and Armand make sure all the safe houses have clothing in them for all of us.”
Malik sat Bethany on the bed and she stood, hugging him more. “Mommy is right. You smell like old blood. It’s kind of gross.”
Malik chuckled and tapped the tip of her nose. “Then by all means, let me clean that off.”
“Good call,” said Bethany, climbing under the covers in the center of the large bed.
Brooke went to the dresser and found Malik a pair of pajama bottoms. She handed them to him, her hands lingering over his.
He hurried into the bathroom and took the fastest shower of his life, fearful Brooke would change her mind about permitting him to be close to them. When he came out, he found Bethany was sound asleep but she was no longer in the middle of the bed. She was all the way over on the left with Brooke in the middle, curled around her, sleeping as well.
Malik couldn’t look away from them. His girls. His chest began to burn with the idea that he’d missed so much time with them. He walked around to the other side of the bed and climbed in behind Brooke. He didn’t intend to touch her, but he couldn’t stop himself. He put an arm around her, his hand coming to a rest on Bethany’s arm. He gave a tiny squeeze and buried his face in Brooke’s hair, feeling totally and completely whole.
He lay there thinking of all the ways he wanted to try to make things up to Brooke. And how he wanted to make sure Bethany knew how important she was to him. How he didn’t plan to miss a day with her again, let alone years.
Brooke moved slightly and put her hand over Malik’s. “I’m glad you’re not dead.”
He kissed her shoulder. The very one he bit five years ago. He spoke softly, in his native language, telling her how she was his everything. And thanking her for such a beautiful, precious daughter.
As he drifted off, he held his girls to him tighter, afraid they’d vanish if he dared let go.
Chapter Nineteen
Striker kicked awake, his wolf agitated and alerting him to danger. He moved off the bed in record time and checked on Edee. She was still asleep. Unable to shake the feeling that something was wrong, he made his way to the window and looked out. It was still dark.
At first, nothing seemed out of the ordinary. Still, he remained. He saw it then, men moving around the house next door, all armed, all headed towards the safe house.
We’ve got company, he pushed out with his mind to his teammates, knowing they’d all hear him.
He went to Edee and bent, touching her shoulder lightly. “Lass.”
She came awake with a start, fright in her eyes. When she looked up at Striker, she calmed, but looked confused. He put a finger to his lips and she grabbed his hand, hurrying out of the bed.
The door to the room opened and Duke was standing there with extra weapons in his hands. He tossed one to Striker, who caught it with ease with one hand.
Striker looked to his friend. “Get her out of here.”
Edee squeezed his hand tighter. “I can’t go. If Elm is with them, you guys won’t stand a chance.”
“Lass, this is nae up for discussion. Go with Duke. Now,” said Striker, looking around for her shoes and something warmer to put her in. He found a pair of slip-on shoes and bent, letting go of her hand long enough to grab them.
The redheaded she-devil took off and pushed past
a stunned-looking Duke.
“Brooke!” she yelled.
Striker cursed and ran after her. She made it to the door of the bedroom Brooke was in just as it opened. Malik was there, holding his daughter and ushering his mate into the hallway.
Brooke and Edee grabbed each other, hugging before they looked at the men. It was Brooke who stepped forward. “Go. Get Bethany to safety. We’ll hold them off.”
The men all shared a look that said what they were thinking.
Like fucking hell!
Gram and Auberi were up the stairs in seconds. Striker had heard Auberi, Duke, Corbin, Garth, and Rurik arrive before he’d drifted off. They had more than enough men to take a stand and protect the women.
“Does she listen to you?” asked Striker, pointing to Gram, but motioning to Edee.
Gram grunted. “Och, she does nae listen to anyone.”
Malik held Bethany to him with one arm and touched Brooke’s cheek. “My sweet, go with Gram and Auberi. They’ll get you all somewhere safe.”
Bethany began to cry and Malik kissed her cheek. “No tears, princess. I won’t let anything bad happen to any of you.”
She clung to Malik, crying harder.
The sight broke Striker’s heart. “Tut, take yer family and the she-devil there with you. The rest of us will—”
A huge explosion rocked the house.
Bethany practically scaled Malik while Duke and Striker threw themselves over Edee and Brooke. It was instinctive, protect the women at all cost.
Gunfire erupted from below.
Brooke eased out of Duke’s hold, but kept her hand on his arm. “Go! Edee and I will slow them down.”
Auberi twisted and shot at someone coming up the stairs.
Smoke began to filter up the stairs, and Striker knew the house was on fire. It wouldn’t be safe for anyone soon. There wasn’t time to argue with the women. “Och, we’re wasting time. Women, you will listen to me on this!”
Brooke and Edee leveled gazes on him that made his manhood tuck and run. He grabbed Duke by the shoulder and shoved him in front of him. “I mean you two will listen to him.”
Act of Passion: An Immortal Ops World Novel (PSI-Ops / Immortal Ops Book 5) Page 17
