She turned, giving him the prettiest smile he’d ever seen.
The wolf pushed forward and Raul’s skin itched. When he snarled loudly, Charley, Tank, and Raul’s grandfather raced into the room.
“What? What’s wrong?” Tank asked as Charley hugged Bella, looking around.
“Everyone, relax. My grandson is just experiencing the what-if moment.” His grandfather, Diego, stepped in front of him and placing his hands-on Raul’s shoulders. “Raul, look at me. Come on. You’re making her nervous, and I’m sure she was already nervous about what will happen tonight.”
Raul snarled again.
“Yes, we all know she’s yours, son, and no one is going to harm or take her away from you. Now pull it together, boy. We have a family dinner to go to, and you still haven’t introduced her to me or your grandma,” Diego stated, slapping him hard on the back, making sure he was out of his zone.
“Sorry, Bella.” Raul held out his hand, and she sighed, stepping up and taking it.
“Did I do something wrong?” she asked, and he shook his head.
“No, Little Mite, I was just realizing how lucky I am to have you here with me and how I’m a little afraid I might lose you.” He nodded to Diego. “This gentleman here is my grandfather, my father’s dad, Diego.”
“Why don’t we take this into the living room. Your grandmother’s waiting there with the others.” Diego leaned over and placed a kiss on Bella’s cheek. “Welcome to the family, child.”
“My grandfather was also a ladies’ man back in his day. Watch it, old man,” Raul grumbled as Bella smiled up at him.
“I can’t wait to hear all the stories about Raul as a child,” Bella said as they moved into the living room with Charley and Tank following them.
“Oh, we have plenty of them,” his grandmother said, “like the time we caught him growling as he peed on the neighbor’s dog, and mind you, dear, he was only three years old. Even then he was starting to show dominance. Girls are so much easier to raise, and they give their fathers such a hard time.” She kissed Bella on the cheek before stepping into Diego’s arms.
“Bella, meet my grandmother, Sofia, and she tells everyone that story like she’s proud of the fact.” Raul rolled his eyes.
“Not to worry, Raul. I have plenty of stories I can share with you, too, about those two when they were smaller, but I believe—”
The ground under them shook, books fell off of shelves and Bella would have fallen over if Raul hadn’t grabbed on to her.
A loud swishing noise had him and the other men running to the door. Raul threw it open to find a large steam vent had opened up right in front of his porch, barely missing the cars in the driveway.
“You were hoping it was over?” Diego asked next to him.
“How can one-man cause this? I just can’t believe it,” Raul growled.
“Grandson, look at me.” Sofia stepped in front of him. “Don’t think about only yourself here; think about mankind. This is our judgment. Do we allow those who would stop your joining to win? You know that fear you felt earlier? Well, it will be ten times worse if something happens to her.”
“Grandmother, I’m claiming Bella; she’s not going anywhere. But I still don’t see how my...” He looked back at Bella. “How my dark passion affects all of this.”
When he turned back, his grandmother was smiling, and her cheeks were bright red.
“Dear heart, you didn’t read the other part of the destiny, did you?” She smiled at Bella as she came up to stand next to him.
“What are you talking about?” Raul asked.
“I do believe we have our story for dinner tonight. Come, children, your mother and father are waiting for us,” Sofia said and moved to her car.
“Do you know what she’s talking about?” he asked Bella, and she shook her head.
“Hell, I don’t know anything, just that I needed to come here.” She looked at the ground.
“There was something else?” he asked, waiting for her to get into the back of the SUV.
“Yes, but I think we’ll discuss it when we’re alone. It’s just something I’m not comfortable saying in front of everyone.” Bella slid in and patted his arm when he got in. “Don’t worry, it’s not bad. Just different.”
“Everything lately is different.” Raul looked up as Mario got into the passenger side door. “Is everything all set at the site?”
“Yes, we’ve searched, and there is nothing. They’ll start clearing the debris now. The humans want to build a monument to those that died, but the engineers have already told them to wait since the ground is still not safe. The governor contacted Hanz to start making the sculpture.”
Raul nodded. “He does good work, and that will give him something to concentrate on since he’s still waiting to hear about his son.” He turned to Bella. “A number of our men have joined the military , including Hanz’s son. He went missing about two weeks ago in Syria.”
“Do you have a support group for the veterans? That might help those with children in the service,” Bella said, staring out the window.
“I don’t know if we do. I’ll ask Sunshine; she would know. But that is an excellent idea.” He leaned over and kissed the top of her head. “See? I knew you were going to be good for the pack. “Now are you going to tell what you did for a living in Ohio?”
She smiled and looked at him. “I worked with kids that were heading down the wrong path—into gangs and things like that. I’d like to check out what programs you guys have around here for teenagers. With the economy being what it is, it’s been really hard for teens to find work. Plus, they see their parents struggling and often turn to gangs to cope.”
He felt as if a cold wind blew over him as the thought of her dealing with gangs. “Please tell me you didn’t deal with the gangs all by yourself?” he snarled.
She laughed.
“This isn’t funny. You could have been hurt! And there will not be any of that here,” he declared.
Bella turned fully in her seat to glare at him. “What the hell did I just tell you a couple of hours ago? Working with children is what I love to do. You are not, and I repeat, not, going to stop me from it. Damn it, Raul, I’m good at what I do. Give me some credit here.”
“We’ll talk later. We’re here,” Raul said and glared at Mario, who was smiling at him.
“Just wait until it’s your turn,” Raul snapped as Thomas opened the door.
Chapter Thirteen
Bella didn’t say a word to Raul as they entered his parents’ house. As soon as Charley stepped into the room, she was at Bella’s side.
“Well, what’s wrong?” Charley asked, glaring at Raul from across the room as he hugged Karina.
Bella hated all this doubt. Her life was in shambles, and her body exploded every time this strange man touched her. And now he wanted her to give up her job.
“Seems I’m not allowed to do my job because it’s too dangerous. You know how long I worked to get where I am. I’m damn good at what I do. Maybe we just need to go back to Ohio. I mean, at least there I did well, and I can deal with the psycho bitch now that I know her game,” Bella suggested.
“No, we’re not going anywhere. This is going to be our home; deep down you know that.” Charley tapped her chest. “And as far as your job, he is right. You know I hated when you dealt with those gang members. Why not work with the kids here in the pack? I’m sure they have problems here too. You also have to remember we grew up there. Here, none of the kids you’d work with know you and the gangs might not give a shit.”
“True, but the problem is that he ordered me not to. He didn’t ask or even suggest.” Bella sighed.
“I’m afraid it’s an alpha thing, my dear,” Sunshine said as she entered the room and handed them each a glass of wine. “Raul is much like his father. Sergio forbad me to continue my job. I worked for one of the casinos when I first came here from California. It’s too dangerous for you to be out among the public. They just don’t w
ant us far away from them.” Sunshine leaned over. “I’ve been with Sergio now for over 30 years, and the longest I’ve been away from him was six hours. I swear, you’d have thought he was dying when I walked into the house. The sex that night was great; that’s how Rafael was conceived.” She wiggled her eyebrows.
Sofia snorted as she came up to them. “That’s nothing. I had to visit my mom in Colorado when I was about 30. I was gone two days before Diego’s brothers physically dragged me back. Needless to say, when I got home, Diego was more beast than man. I did not leave the house for four days, ladies. I was so sore that I’ve never left his side since. So be warned.”
“Well damn, so if we want a massive love fest, we just need to stay away for a couple of hours.” Charley glanced over to where Tank was, and Bella laughed.
“You are so damn bad, but it’s not a bad idea.” She tapped her fingers on her wineglass.
“You know, I haven’t had an all-day shopping trip in a while. I think this calls for a women’s day out—when things settle down, of course,” Sunshine said and Bella laughed.
“Oh, you are so on. Charley?” Bella looked at Charley and laughed. “Down, girl. Don’t let Mom know what’s going on in that head of yours. She might do something to Tank before you can mate.” She elbowed Charley as Maria came into the room.
“So why do they have these little episodes?” Bella asked.
“Good question,” Sophia said. “I’ve given this a lot of thought and watched how other males react when their woman was away. For example, my best friend had no problem going away for half the day. But when she was gone for a whole day, her mate was a little anxious. So, I really believe the stronger the dominant gene in a man, the more aggressive and possessive he is. Let’s test this. Let’s move this talk into the kitchen and see how long they last before they come to find us.”.
The women slowly made their way into the kitchen and sat around the island.
“This is fun. Who wants to take bets on who comes in here first?” Charley asked.
“Oh there’s no question it will be either your man or my grandson. They’re not mated yet, so they can’t stand the thought of their mate being out of sight, especially with all the people out there who want to harm you.” She nodded to the door right before Raul came through it followed by Tank.
Charley snorted. “Well, damn, that wasn’t even five minutes.”
“What wasn’t five minutes?” Tank asked, wrapping his arms around Charley as Raul did the same to Bella, nipping her neck.
“How long it would take you two to seek out your mates,” Sofia said. “Now we’re waiting to see how long it will take for the rest of our men to come through that door. I bet your father will be next, Raul.”
Sure enough, Sergio came next, followed by Diego.
“See? Not long at all. Even with age, they have to connect with us. It’s almost like we’re their pacifiers,” Sofia teased, earning a growl from Raul.
“That’s not funny. The fact we worry about you is no reason to tease us,” Raul grumbled.
“Tell me, Raul, what would you do if I wanted to take your mate shopping for the day? You know, a girls’ day out,” Sunshine said casually, and Bella giggled as, sure enough, fur started to cover Raul’s arms.
“Calm down, wolf boy. We’re talking about when things settle down, jeez.” Bella turned in his arms and looked up at him. “How are you going to handle me going to work?”
“I’m not.” He glared down at her.
“Back it off, wolf. I’ve considered working with the pack’s children. And if you take away what I love to do, I’m going to give you a taste of what withdrawal from your pacifier will feel like.” She slugged him in the stomach, and it was like hitting a brick wall. “Damn it, can’t you have one freaking flaw?” she mumbled.
He snorted as he grabbed her hand and kissed it. “Don’t do that again. You’ll hurt yourself.”
She rolled her eyes and looked at Sunshine. “Do you need any help? I’m pretty good in the kitchen, but if I were you, I’d keep Charley out of it.”
“Hey, that’s not nice! I can cook just fine—as long as it’s easy things,” she grumbled.
“No, everything is pretty much done. Sergio has the steaks going outside, and we finished the rest earlier. You know, Karina works with some of the children. As a matter of fact, the head of the youth center will be there tonight. Raul knows him. Raul, introduce Bella to him since you’re so worried about her working with gangs; this would be a perfect alternative. Plus, I’ve seen more of our teens getting in trouble lately.” She looked up as Rafael came into the room.
“Just make sure to stay away from Teddy Jenson. He’s bad news,” Rafael said.
Raul reached around Bella and slapped his brother upside the head. “That’s why you shouldn’t have even mentioned him, dip head,” he growled.
Bella smiled and patted Rafael on the arm. “Don’t worry, sweetie, I’m very good at my job. I’ll make sure to help him. Now tell me about the little gang you were with a few days ago. Are they wolves too?” she asked.
Charley groaned, and Bella knew Raul was glaring at Rafael. She hooked her arm through Rafael’s and led him toward the dining room table, knowing the others were following her.
“Please ignore your brother right now. I know I can help if you let me. It will make me feel like part of the pack, not just his sex object, you know?” she told the smaller version of Raul as she took a seat and pulling Rafael down next to her.
He frowned and she shook her head. “Let me tell you a little bit about women. Sure, we need our man to be there for us and want him to hold us and make us feel safe, but we also want to be part of something more than that. Look at your mom. Don’t you think it was hard for her to step into a place that another woman was in at one time?” She glanced at Sunshine, and her soon-to-be mother-in-law nodded.
“Go on. He needs to hear these things,” Sunshine encouraged.
“What I’m saying is all of the women sitting here have brains and hearts. We want to help those that need us. When the men are off doing what they need to do for the pack, we can’t just sit there and wait for them. We need more to challenge us, and I’m very, very good at what I do. Did you know I even spoke with a few of the Hell’s Angels? I got a few of them to send some of the kids back to me so I could get them into decent jobs and counseling. But, then again, that could have been because Derk, the enforcer, had a thing for me.” Bella grinned from ear to ear, shaking her head.
Charley snorted. “That is one night. Bella actually came home totally wiped out. I mean he—”
“Charley!” Bella yelled. “They sure don’t need to know about my sex life here.” She glanced at Raul to see him tapping his long claws on the table, his eyes those of his wolf.
Without warning he pulled her chair over to him and yanked on her hair, tilting her head to the side. He bit her neck hard. “Mine!” he growled.
She whimpered but knew to relax against him, giving him the control he needed. The crotch of her leggings was wet and her nipples hardened beneath his shirt. “Raul, please,” she whispered.
What seemed like forever but was only a few minutes later, Raul released her neck and placed a kiss on his bite. “No more talk right now, please?” he asked her, his tone almost pleading, and she nodded.
“Sorry.” Bella rubbed her cheek against his chest before turning to the plate of food that had been placed in front of her.
* * *
Dinner couldn’t get over fast enough as far as Raul was concerned as he listened to Bella laugh at something Sunshine had said.
Bella looked over at him and frowned. “What’s wrong now? I’m going through with this attack, I’m trying to fit in with everyone here, and you’re still pouting over me wanting to help children?” She shook her head as she stood and carried her dish into the kitchen, but not before he saw the single tear slide down her cheek.
Charley growled from across the table, and Tank pulled her down as s
he tried to stand. “No, this is between them now, Charley.”
Raul stretched, his heart heavy. But when moved to get up, Sergio grabbed his arm.
“She’s nervous about tonight. Your woman has lost everything, son. The family that was supposed to love her, her job, her possessions. We need to surround Bella with love and show her where she belongs.”
“I know.” He looked at the door to the kitchen as he thought of how he’d feel losing everything, including his family. He didn’t know how she had the strength to go on, but he guessed any woman mated to him would have to be strong. “The thought of her even starting a job has my wolf going crazy.” He took a deep breath, calming the wolf and himself.
“Go to her. We’ll stay out here to give you a few minutes alone,” Sergio said.
The second he stepped into the kitchen, Raul’s heart felt as if someone had ripped it out. Bella turned to him, hugging herself as tears ran down her cheeks.
“I’m scared, Raul. I don’t know if I can do this. What if I do it and all this is a lie and you don’t really need me.” She turned back around and stared out the window. “I’ve wanted my own family for so long, and it’s so close that I’m afraid it’ll disappear. Some alpha female you got saddled with, ha,” she whispered.
“Little Mite, I’m sorry. I should have put my insecurities aside. You’ve had so much to deal with the past few days. Not to mention finding out who your real parents are.” Raul turned her around. “There is nothing to fear, my Bella. I will be with you every step of the way. As a matter of fact, Herme has promised to help control me so I don’t kill those who would touch you.” He rubbed her back and just held her. “We’ll work this out, Bella. All I want to do is make you happy. I hate seeing the tears in your eyes. If meeting the head of our youth program means that much to you, I’ll make sure to introduce you. Now, how big of a family are we talking here?”
Bella looked up at him and smiled. “At least five, and we have to have at least three girls, so that means if we don’t succeed, we’ll have to keep trying.”
Vegas Is Burning Page 13
