She missed all the fun. Next time, she was taking the demon ghost.
She laughed.
“What?”
“You don’t want to know. You’ll lose it.”
She was probably right. All Julian wanted was to get the hell out of there. Oh, and for them to clean up their mess.
Hopefully, in the morning, they’d be fine, or they’d figure it out on their own.
“Picture this. It was a cheap motel, and she was offering herself up to the dead woman,” he said.
Well, that didn’t sound good at all.
Tori didn’t want the details.
Nope.
Not this time.
“Great. When the hell did we lose control?” she asked. “When did we become everyone’s mother and father?”
Julian wiped the sweat from his brow.
“Right about when I asked you to marry me and I thought being a business owner was a damn good idea.”
She laughed.
“I don’t want to leave them here alone, but we have a child at home,” she admitted. “Veronica can’t survive on her own. They will have to deal with it.”
Tori knew if Evangeline had already been riding Nyx, they’d have some safe down time. The dead had to recharge, plus she could hear Bethany telling her that she’d stand guard.
It was safe.
For now.
“Are you sure?” he asked. Julian knew how territorial his wife was when it came to her brother.
Yeah, she was.
“They’ll be fine.”
Julian got it, but he knew she was worried.
At some point, adults needed to behave like adults.
“They have this,” he offered. “Let’s go home, honey. I’m beat.”
Yeah, Tori was with him there.
Everyone needed to sleep this mess off.
* * * L i t t l e m o o n * * *
Thursday Morning
Inn
To say he was nervous would be one hell of an understatement. Chris Leonard hadn’t spoken to his best friend for almost a month.
In the grand scheme of things, it wasn’t too long, but he’d felt each and every day, hour, and minute.
It had been torture.
Chris was so lost without her.
On that fateful day, after they handed in their badges, he went to Fort Whitefox-Blackhawk, packed up Bethe, and left without telling anyone where he was going.
Chris simply ran for the hills. He was in protection mode. He was all about guarding Bethe and protecting himself. The family had blown up, and he was back to being an orphan.
He had to do what was best for him and his child.
Right?
At the time, it seemed right.
He’d gone under at a hotel, paid cash for their stay, and laid low until his townhouse was vacated. He’d watched Elizabeth work enough cases that he knew how to go off the grid. Basically, he’d used everything he’d learned against a woman he’d been intimate with, and still loved.
It broke his damn heart.
He was a coward.
That’s what it came down to. Chris didn’t stand his ground and stick up for her. He didn’t go to war or act like armor. She had Callen, and she didn’t need him.
He was expendable.
Now it was time to come out of hiding, and he was scared that when he showed up, she’d kick his ass to the curb. Deep down, he believed it would turn into a fight.
If that happened, he’d die the rest of the way inside. If he avoided her, at least he could tell himself she did still love him. Coming back to face her…
It would likely prove him wrong.
That hurt.
Still, after Ethan’s visit, it reopened all the wounds and they were festering.
What Chris needed now was his best friend, and if what Ethan had said was right, she needed him too.
This was a leap of faith, but for her, he was willing to take it. Elizabeth was worth it.
They’d been through too much to ignore that she was dying inside. He’d always tried to protect her, even when he always ended up hurting her.
It stopped today.
He was going to be the one who healed for a change.
Walking into the hotel, Chris stopped at the counter.
“I need the room number for Elizabeth Blackhawk and Callen Whitefox,” he said.
“They’re in room three ten. Would you like me to call up and let them know you’re coming, sir?”
That was the last thing he wanted.
“No, it’s FBI business. I’ll handle it.”
It surprised him that the man bought that. Then again, everyone and their mother had likely seen the news. Chris and Elizabeth had been accused of multiple affairs, and that’s why Ethan was stepping out on her with the redhead.
The lies hurt.
Now he had to make sure the woman he loved as his sister, his surrogate flesh and blood, and a person he’d worked with was okay.
It was time.
Chris headed toward the elevators, and he only hoped that when he saw her, he’d be forgiven.
If not, he was out of options.
Chris was going to get Bethe, go home, and kiss the people from his past goodbye.
Forever.
She was up early.
Elizabeth didn’t sleep well the night before. She was agitated, on edge, and she couldn’t figure out why. Was this personal or was the case scratching away at her brain?
When she finally fell asleep, she began having nightmares, and they weren’t related to the case.
No, this was her personal mess and they were bad.
Horrible.
In all of them, she was running and then falling.
Each time she was about to hit the ground, she sat up with a start, only to have Callen there to soothe her. He’d pull her back down, tuck her back under his arm, and she’d sleep.
It worked for a while, until the next one came.
And then the cycle started all over again.
She didn’t know what the hell was wrong with her. All she knew was if she didn’t get this case done, and get home, she was going to go bat shit insane.
Already, she was on the edge with her own personal life. Coming into this, she’d never expected it to be this damn hard to do her job. Wasn’t it like riding a bike?
It felt like she was out of control.
For the first time, Elizabeth wanted to quit and escape, but she couldn’t. Her friend was counting on her. Plus, she wanted to hear from Timothy.
Elizabeth wanted that in the worst way.
The man had a way of comforting all of them. He’d been a far better family leader than she was.
Here was the proof.
Everything was tripping her up.
Ghosts.
Demons.
The dead.
What the hell had happened to plain old serial killers? When had the world gone mad?
Oh yeah, right about when her husband, a man she loved more than her own life, told her to go away.
Shit.
It was one hell of a mess.
“Have some coffee,” Callen said, walking into the room in all his naked Native finery. All that covered him was a towel slung low on his waist.
Elizabeth watched him and the tiny beads of water he’d missed as they shimmered on his abs.
She wanted to go over, jump him, and have her wicked way with him, but without Ethan…
“Callen.”
He made his way toward her, carrying her coffee and his jeans.
When he touched her face, lifting her chin to stare into his eyes, she wanted to weep.
“I understand.”
“I feel broken inside. I can’t…”
He slowly kissed her.
Elizabeth moved into his body, and let him hold her. When he kissed her with a wealth of tenderness, it reminded her that she was a lucky woman.
Mostly.
Callen set her mouth free. “He’s coming back, and w
hen he does, this will be fixed too.”
She wiped her eyes. “How do you know? Maybe I’m broken.”
“So, you don’t want me anymore?” he asked, staring at her. “Is that what you’re trying to say?”
She wasn’t, but this whole thing had her one giant mess. If the situation were reversed, and he was the one gone, she didn’t think she could roll around with Ethan either.
They were part of her, and she needed them both.
“You don’t have to answer. I already know it. You want me, but you’re scared. I remember being abused and thinking, I can’t do this. How does someone make love to another person when they hurt this badly?”
She sniffled. “I’m sorry.”
He dropped his towel and tugged on his jeans.
She watched him pull them on, minus the boxers. “Commando, Callen James?”
He wiggled his eyebrows. “Yes, because you never know when I’m going to need to get naked, and fast.”
Her heart skipped as his fingers zipped and buttoned his jeans. She remembered them on her skin, and she missed it.
“I do want you. I just feel like it’s cheating on Ethan. It’s jacked up and ass backward, but without him the whole thing is off balance.”
He got it.
He didn’t like it, but he got it.
“I know we’re broken. I’ll wait. My beautiful wife will want me again one day.”
She moved toward him and rested her head on his shoulder. Meanwhile, her hands grabbed handfuls of ass.
“See?”
She snorted. “Perv.”
He gave her a kiss on the forehead.
“I’m not with you for the sex, Elizabeth,” he reassured. “I’m with you because you own my heart. That’s what matters to me.”
Her too.
She was grateful for the down time to figure out what she was going to do. Of course Callen would be gentle and understanding. He got her, and she appreciated that.
Before she could say anything more, there was a knock to their door.
“Did you call up for room service?” she asked.
“Hell no! If you’re not putting out, I’m not buying you bacon,” he teased.
“You’re mean.”
He winked at her.
Elizabeth headed toward the door, and when she pulled it open, fully expecting it to be Tori or Julian, someone else stood there.
“Christopher,” she whispered, her hand covering her mouth.
“Hey, honey. Miss me?”
She burst into tears.
They hit like the wall of a tsunami.
This wasn’t what she was expecting. It made her relive all the wounds to her heart. It reminded her of when she’d asked Callen where Chris was, before they headed to Salem, and he told her the man was gone.
And now he was back.
“Can I come in?” he asked.
Elizabeth didn’t move.
“Callen,” she called, knowing she needed the man who’d become her strength. She needed him to hold her up—yet again.
Callen raced to the door when he heard her crying, and he saw the man standing there.
Wow.
This was a shock—even to him.
“Long time no see, stranger.”
“I came to be with my family,” he offered. “That is if you want me around. Ethan said you had a case, and I figured since I was a little bored, I’d come help.”
She didn’t know what to think.
He looked like hell.
Shit!
They all did.
“Am I welcome here?” he asked.
Elizabeth didn’t hesitate. She raced at him and threw herself against his body. Together, they both wept.
“Oh, Christopher,” she said, her face buried in his neck. “I can’t believe you’re here.”
He joined her in the tear fest. “Lyzee, I’ve missed you so much. God! I missed my sister.”
Callen stood there, buttoning his shirt.
He was smiling.
Here was one more piece of the puzzle to help his woman heal. They were getting closer.
There was only one man left who needed to come home.
Soon.
And hopefully, Elizabeth would forgive him when he did. One of the best things about his wife was that she had a great well of compassion and love beneath the tough outer shell.
“You’re drawing a crowd,” Callen said, breaking up their hugging. People were walking by and staring at the hug fest.
Who knew if they’d call some reporters to make a fast buck?
Elizabeth tugged him into the room. “Where’s Bethe?” she asked, wiping her eyes, and then wiping his.
“With Wyler. Ethan flew us to Salem, I dropped her off, and then I caught a flight here. I slept on the jet. It’s there in case you don’t want me here. I can go back.”
She punched him.
“Shit! Come on! That hurts!”
Callen laughed. Her outburst of aggression was a damn beautiful thing as was Chris’s response.
It was like it used to be.
“It was meant to hurt,” she said.
Callen loved the way she was smiling.
Most importantly, Elizabeth laughed, and that was what mattered the most.
Laughter was the best medicine.
“So can I stay?” Chris asked.
“Yes, but when this is over…?” she asked.
“I’ll go home.”
Callen saw the look on her face. All the happy had been sucked away, and she was slipping again.
It was time to take control.
Someone had to fix this.
He was up to bat.
“By home, I know you mean Salem, Chris. You’ll come with us, and you’ll stay there with Bethe and our family. It’s crowded, but you’re staying,” Callen stated. He wasn’t going to give him room to change his mind.
This was for Elizabeth and their family. She was the core, and if she fell, they’d all fall.
Chris wanted to stay.
“Is that what you want?” he asked her, staring into the icy blue eyes that he’d missed so much the last four weeks.
“You’re my brother. Of course I want you with us, Chris. Why wouldn’t I?” she asked.
He was worried about Callen, so he glanced over. The last thing he wanted was to upset another of the Blackhawk boys. Callen was now the one holding up the fort while this mess went on far too long.
“Are you looking at me for my opinion?” Callen asked.
“Yes,” he admitted. “I want honesty from here on out. If you’re uncomfortable with me being near your wife, I need to know now. I can’t do this again. I can’t get my sister back and then lose her if you get angry.”
He got it.
Chris was just as battered and bruised as they all were. This battle had taken a lot out of all of them.
“As long as you’re not trying to jump her and get in her panties, I’m golden.”
Elizabeth held her breath.
“I’ve been in her panties. I’d rather be in her heart. While she’s good in bed, she’s better as my sister,” he said honestly.
Callen laughed.
“Welcome back,” he said, giving the man a hug.
Chris let him hold him. It felt damn good, especially since Elizabeth’s hand was holding his. There was that power of love and family to heal him, and hopefully, her.
“Okay. Then it looks like I’m staying in that Podunk town that created a she-monster.”
That made her really laugh. “Gee, how do you really feel, darlin’?” she asked.
Chris winked at her.
Then he yanked on her curly ponytail.
It was so brotherly that she smiled. “I feel like more weight has been lifted,” she admitted. “I can breathe a little better.”
Callen was glad.
“Yeah, I was dreading coming here,” Chris admitted, as they headed into the lounging area.
“Why?” she asked.
“
I thought you’d hate me.”
“For?”
“Running. I bailed on you. I always promised I wouldn’t leave, and I left.”
She sat and thought about it.
“It’s best you did leave.”
Callen watched them. He was curious.
“I was in a bad place. I couldn’t carry you and me, Christopher,” she admitted.
He got it. “Yeah, I had to carry me. I made it through, and I think I learned something.”
“What?” she asked.
“I miss dog hair on my pants.”
She snorted. “Smart ass.”
“I can’t be who I am while I pretend we didn’t have what we did. It was good, and it made me. I ran because with that gone, I wasn’t sure who I was.”
She got it.
When he left, she felt…divided.
“We can’t pretend, Christopher. We had ten years of something special, and I won’t pretend it didn’t exist. Doing that doesn’t honor us. I made a huge mistake all those years ago when I agreed to keep it quiet.”
He listened.
“I was proud of us, and I still am. I may not be riding your dick, but you’re still mine.”
Callen cleared his throat. “Really? I’m sitting right here.”
She stared at him.
It was time.
“You wanted honesty. You and Ethan can’t have it both ways. If you want reassurance that Christopher and I aren’t ‘up to anything’, then you have to let us be us.”
She had a very valid point.
“I ride ass about everything, but with him, I put up barriers to protect you both. I can’t pretend and be honest.”
“I’m okay with you being honest. I trust you both.”
That was healing.
All Elizabeth really wanted was for Callen and Ethan to trust her. She didn’t cheat.
Never.
She wanted them to see Chris as part of her that wouldn’t go away, and she wanted them to accept that he had her heart for a while, but they had it now.
“Do you trust me?” Chris asked.
“Yes, because I know how damn hard it was for you to face down Ethan and show up here. That took balls, and if you’re strong enough to do that, then you’re strong enough to man up and live by the code.”
“Which is?” he asked.
“You protect your brother’s woman, but you don’t try to have sex with her.”
Tears filled Chris’s eyes. “I would die for her.”
Kiss of Souls Page 33
