by Erin West
“Yes, sir.” She turns and hurries away, heading back into the woods.
Did she come here just to confront me?
As soon as she’s out of sight, he turns to me. “Are you okay?”
I bite my tongue. I’m pissed. I could handle her, but I don’t want to come off ungrateful. He was protecting me, but that bitch had it coming.
Reaching out, he takes my hand. “Did she hurt you?”
Letting it go, I take a step back. “No, she didn’t, but I wanted to handle that on my own.”
The area right above his nose and in between his eyebrow wrinkles. “But no one can talk to you that way.”
Tapping my foot, I shift. “I take it your pack isn’t accepting me.”
“I wouldn’t say that exactly….” His voice trails off.
This doesn’t surprise me. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
“When?” He steps close to me, raising his fingertips to touch my face. “While we were preparing for battle? When Bael showed up and stole you away?” He lowers his forehead against mine. “It seems like, at any second, I could lose you again. I haven’t had the chance to bring it up.”
His musky outdoor scent fills my nose. How can I stay mad at this caring man? I lift my head, pressing my lips against his. “I’m sorry. I don’t know why, but it caught me off guard. How do we fix this?”
Taking a breath, he moans. “Well, you could start by doing that again.”
I giggle.
“Now that,” he taps his finger on my nose, “is a sound I’ve missed.”
How did I get so lucky to have this man in my life? “No, but really. How can we fix it?”
“Well, packs are more like family.” He pulls me back up against him. “And once an alpha mates, their mate is over the pack, as well as expected to spend time with them all. You haven’t been able to have that chance.”
“So, you’re suggesting…” I tilt my head to the side.
He grins. “That you spend time with them.”
“You do realize that I’m not the best people person, right?” I mean, we’re mates, but he’s had to notice.
Pressing his lips against mine, he takes my hand. “Good thing we are shifters.”
Oh, he thinks he’s cute now.
Sitting down at the table for dinner, it’s strange to have all four of my mates here with me at the table. However, this is the most content I’ve ever felt my entire life.
Bael got back from Hell not long after the Claudia incident, and then Drake had to deal with some pack issues. Eli ran off to do something with a contact, which could mean anyone in his world. This allowed Oren and I time to have a little nap.
Drake walks in with a plate full of meat. He’s cooked hamburgers, lamb, deer, ribs, and steaks.
“So, shifters have a tendency to eat a little bit of meat, huh? Will we have any greens?” Oren leans back in his chair, looking around the kitchen.
Rolling his eyes, Eli pushes his plate that’s in front of him away. “At least you have something to eat. I don’t suppose any of you would be happy if I ate right now.”
At that, thunder rumbles from outside. Bael picks up his steak knife and points it at the old vampire. “You better watch it. I’m not thrilled with this situation and would have no qualms taking one of you out.”
I still can’t believe this is happening, and they are kind of getting along. “Thanks for cooking, Drake. I would love a steak.”
Winking at me, he comes over and plops a medium-well one down on my plate. “Here you go. I cooked it the way you like.”
Pushing his plate out, Oren motions to his. “Did you do the same for me?”
“Uhh…” Drake turns to him and looks at the variety of meats. “I’m not sure what you like.”
Placing a hand over his heart, Oren pouts. “And here I thought you loved me, too.” He winks at me. “I’ll take the lamb.”
Serving everyone, Drake sits down and we all dig in. Well, everyone except Eli.
After we’re done, I take the dirty dishes to the sink, but Oren walks back there with me. “Hey, we all need to talk, so before you start on that, let’s go to the living room.”
When I get to the room, Bael is pacing the room and his power is thrumming.
What have I missed? “What’s going on?”
He looks at me. “I wanted to make sure you had a good meal before we discussed things. I know how you are about eating, but this isn’t good.”
My heart pounds in my chest. What is he talking about? I try to find answers in each face, but there aren’t any.
Eli is staring at the floor, and Drake is looking out the window.
Someone better start speaking now. “What the fuck is going on?”
“My dad is involved. This isn’t good.” Bael clenches his hands into fists. “When I dropped Amon off, Dad was already prepping for a war. He’s getting everything lined up.”
Glancing up, Eli’s face is cold. “Who will fight for you?”
Rubbing his fingers together, Bael growls. “Only Amon.”
Nodding, Eli turns to Drake. “How about you?”
Drake’s eyes don’t move from the window. “My pack will fight.”
Is he sure about that? “Uh… I hate to disagree, but…”
He turns his head. “If you spend time with them like we discussed earlier, they will fight. I guarantee it. You just need to trust our bond. If you do, everything else will work out. I promise.”
Not wanting to fight right now in front of the others, I drop it.
Eli then turns to Oren. “What about you?”
“I have my whole kingdom.” Oren looks as me. “But Rose, she has her whole kingdom and our whole realm.”
Wait, did he just say the Fae realm would fight for me? “Why would they do that?”
“Because your family is the reigning family over Kheelan.” He smiles at me, like he’s letting me in on a secret.
Wow, another new thing to process.
“That’s not the worst part,” Bael grinds out.
“Oh, great.” Oren leans back in his chair. “There’s a worse part.”
Sticking up his middle finger, Bael focuses on me. “My father can track me. He can track any soul that belongs to Hell.”
Springing up, Eli blurs and appears in Bael’s face. “Then why the fuck are you here?”
“Because it doesn’t matter.” He lets out a breath, his gaze still on me. “Since she’s my other half, he can find her anywhere.”
Of course, he can. “Why does this not surprise me?”
Eli glances at Drake. “We need a witch, and we need her now.”
Drake pulls his phone out, typing out a quick text message.
All I can picture when I think about him asking a witch for help is some raven-haired beauty with a rocking body being around my men. What is wrong with me? I’ve never been the possessive type of woman. And why the fuck does Drake have her number?
He pockets his phone. “She’ll be here first thing in the morning.”
Eli nods. “Until then, we should stay at my place. No one, not even Satan, can enter my bedroom. Rose will be the safest there.”
Bael’s jaw clenches. “Fine. We can take turns watching over her until this settles down.”
They’re in agreement again. I reach up and pinch the underside of my arm.
“Ouch.” Damn. I pinched the shit out of myself. Yep, I’m not asleep. Even though that doesn’t sound half bad.
Four heads turn my direction with scrunched eyebrows.
Oren steps closer, rubbing the exact spot I pinched, and the pain recedes from his touch. How he knew where I pinched is beyond me.
“So, we’re heading back to Eli’s? When are we leaving?” My eyelids are heavy and weighing down the longer we sit around not doing anything.
Eli glances at his watch. “Now. We can take some of Drake’s cars. God knows he has enough of them.” He mumbles under his breath, “How many cars does one man need?”
Drake flips him the middle finger, pulling his phone out of his pocket again. “I’ll let her know the change in meeting places.” The glow from the screen lights his face up. It’s strong and determined, but I sense the fatigue lying just below the surface.
When will enough be enough? It seems to be a never-ending flow of bad news after bad news.
He lifts his head. “I need to talk with Leo before we leave.”
I nod, heading to his side. “I’m going with you.”
His eyebrows lift toward his hairline and his arm wraps around my waist when I reach him. “You don’t have to. You should rest before the drive.”
“I can rest on the drive over, or when I’m dead. I need to start bridging the gap with the pack. Sooner rather than later.” I raise my head, meeting Oren, Eli, and Bael’s gazes. “We’ll leave when we get back.”
Drake and I walk outside. He stills beside me and I focus on the woods. It’s the same path where Claudia emerged. Who the fuck does she think she is, treating me like that? Whether she likes it or not, I will help Drake run this pack.
A male figure emerges from the woods and Leo appears in front of us.
My hearing and eyesight have enhanced to that of the vamps and shifters, thanks to the bonds.
Leo’s step falters when he spots me beside his alpha. His shoulders are tense and there is a heaviness in his footsteps. He approaches and lowers his head.
“How’s the pack dealing?” Drake’s forehead creases.
That man worries about his pack. A sharp pain pierces my chest, thinking about all the shifters we will lose during the battle. Fathers, mothers, someone’s child... I want to tell Drake not to involve them, that we can handle it ourselves without endangering innocent lives. But it’s unavoidable. All over damn power.
Leo glances at me then at Drake. “They aren’t happy, but they will adjust. It will take some time. We will always stand behind you, Alpha.” He trails off. “And your mate.”
Releasing a slow breath, Drake’s shoulders relax a fraction.
His relief is palpable to me. I interlink our fingers and squeeze his hand.
He squeezes back, not letting me go. “I need to gather the entire pack and prepare for war. I’ve got to leave for a short while, but I’ll be back and forth. I’m leaving you in charge while I gather us some allies.”
Leo nods, eyes glowing yellow. “I won’t let you down.”
Power shifts in the air, something I’ve learned to associate with shifters alone. He reaches out and they grab each other’s forearms in some sort of handshake. He strides toward the forest again, disappearing from sight.
Facing Drake, I circle my arms around his waist, needing the physical contact as much as he does.
He kisses my head. “Come on. Let’s get on the road.”
The drive to Eli’s is uneventful. Thank God. I’m not sure I could handle much more tonight. A beep from my lap stirs me from my half-asleep state as Eli pulls the Tesla into the driveway. It’s a text message from Mia.
Girls’ day tomorrow. I’ll pick you up around ten.
That’s just like Mia.
Sounds good. See you then.
The door opens, and Bael sticks his hand inside. I grab it and allow him to help me out of the backseat.
He glances up at the house and then stares at Eli. “Overcompensating for something, Vamp?”
Drake and Oren laugh and the sound is like music to my ears. My lips lift in a smile.
Eli laughs. “On the contrary. Rose can attest to that.”
My mouth drops open. I can’t believe he just said that. That’s like a taboo subject. We all avoid it when we’re around each other.
Bael glances down at me. “Is he?”
I feel like a fish, my mouth opening and closing. “Seriously? You want to know how big Eli’s dick is? Why don’t y’all just whip them out to compare them if you’re so curious.”
With a nod, he stares at me with a smirk. “That’s not a half-bad idea.”
Oh my God. Is he serious?
You’d love seeing all of us like that. Wouldn’t you, mo bhriar?
Laughter erupts around me. I jerk out of his grasp and walk up the stairs, the door opening as I reach the top. Eli’s butler stands in a regal pose with the door open for me. Once again, I need some distance. How is this going to work forever?
My feet carry me up the stairs and down the hallway toward mine and Eli’s bedroom. I stop outside the secure door.
Is it weird for me to sleep in Eli’s room when all my mates are here? There’s not a protocol for this type of thing. But wasn’t this the reason for us coming to Eli’s, because this room is more secure than any other? Fuck it. I’m not going to feel guilty.
The security pad appears, so I pull my dagger out of my waistband and prick the tip of my finger, smearing the blood across the screen. The skin on my finger knits back together as I lift it to my mouth. The light flashes green and the door slides open. The bed beckons me.
I change into lounge clothes and fall into bed, forgoing a shower for the sweet oblivion of sleep.
Chapter Eleven
A tightness squeezes my chest when I walk into the kitchen. Shit. I forgot to tell Mia we were at Eli’s instead of Drake’s. My phone is still in the bedroom.
I take a deep breath. It will be okay. I can use one of the guy’s phones to call her.
No one is in the kitchen, nor did I pass anyone on the way downstairs. Where the hell are they?
Footsteps trod down the hallway. “Honey, I’m home.” Mia holds her arms up, walking into the kitchen like she lives here.
My mouth lifts in a big smile. We meet halfway and wrap our arms around each other. With her, I don’t have to think about all of the problems that keep cropping up, or the looming war where people want me dead.
“Please tell me you didn’t drive all the way to Drake’s first. I forgot to mention we drove out here last night.”
She giggles. “No, Drake texted me with the change of plans.”
Oh. Why was Drake texting her about us coming to Eli’s?
“Oh, okay. Would you like some tea?”
“I’d love some.” Her gold hoop earrings glint in the sunlight from the floor to ceiling windows as she glances around the kitchen and breakfast nook area. “Where are your guys?”
I shrug and head over to the Keurig to make a cup of coffee, and then look for tea bags. “I don’t have a clue. Once they show up, we can head out, though.” If I were a vampire that didn’t drink anything except blood, where would I keep tea bags?
Opening the cupboard above the coffee maker, several kinds of coffee k-cups line the shelf. Score. On the second shelf is a dark wood box, I grab it and lift the lid. Fifteen brands of gourmet tea are nestled inside.
I hold the box out to Mia as she leans against the island, looking relaxed browsing the selection. After choosing an Earl Grey black tea, I hand her a hot cup of water for it to steep.
Turning, I reach up to place the box back in the cabinet, when my skin prickles and electricity hums through me.
Bael’s arms circle around me from behind and his lips touch the bend of my neck. His husky voice whispers through my head. Good Morning, mo bhriar. Did you sleep well?
I nod, turning around. I raise up on my tiptoes and press a closed mouth kiss on his lips.
I smile, stepping back from him. “Where is everyone?”
“Uh. Who is this fine specimen?” Mia looks Bael over head to toe, then raises one arched eyebrow at me.
Oh, shit. My mouth snaps closed. How am I going to explain that four men are bound to me by fate? There’s no way she’d understand. Two men fighting over you is understandable, but four?
“Umm. This is Bael.” I pick up my coffee cup, needing something to keep my hands busy. “Bael, this is my best friend, Mia.”
He gives her a brief nod before facing me again. “They are in the study.”
“Can you go get them, please? We’re fixing to leave for our girls’ day.�
�� I cut my gaze from his and over to Mia where she can’t see me. I need to figure out how to talk to him in his mind.
His eyebrows scrunch together. All you have to do is seek me out and broadcast what you want me to hear. Look inside your mind and you’ll find me.
I close my eyes, doing as he instructs. At least, I try to. I don’t have a clue what he is talking about. My eyelids flutter and take in the small smile on his face. I narrow my gaze and glare. He can shove his amusement for all I care.
His laughter filters through our connection. We will work on it when you get back. I’m not thrilled with this idea.
He nods before leaving Mia and I alone in the kitchen.
I release the breath I was holding in a swoosh of air. Thank God he didn’t transport out of here. The sweet yet bitterness of the coffee hits my tongue, and a hum of approval comes from my throat.
Mia smacks me on the arm, almost sloshing the fluid in my cup. I cut my eyes at her.
She continues on, as if my glare has no effect on her. “So, who was that?”
“I told you. Bael.” I shrug. My head swings to the doorway as Drake, Eli, Oren and Bael file into the kitchen.
“This is so not over, girlfriend.” She turns her smiling gaze on the men crowding the space around us.
Damn. I was hoping to avoid the inquisition that I’m sure will come once we leave now.
Mia lifts her mug, finishing off her tea. “Hey Drake. Eli.” Her tone hardens on the last name.
What is going on between the two of them?
Oren cuts through Drake and Eli, brushing against my side and leans down to brush a sweet kiss on my cheek. The need to have his lips on mine has my hand wrapping around his neck before I notice Mia is watching us with intense curiosity.
“I’m leaving, but I’ll be back as quickly as I can. Stay out of trouble and be safe.” His words draw my attention back to him, the corners of my lips pulling down. Oren leans down from his height and claims my lips.
“You be safe,” I whisper.
He nods before leaving the kitchen.
Bael leans against the counter with his arms crossed over his chest. “I’m not happy about her leaving for a girls’ day.”
