“Hmm, really, and every time some boy comes around our daughters, I get to tie you up and have my way with you?”
“Damn, I want our daughters to have boyfriends, but not that many... How about every time they wrap their daddy around their little fingers? I’d have more fun that way,” she teased and he laughed.
“I couldn’t have gotten someone more perfect for me, but really, Bella. I’m not going anywhere, and I promise you will be the only woman in my life from now on.” He placed a kiss on the side of her neck. She shivered in his arms, and Raul smiled against her satin skin.
“I’ll let you in on a little secret. When a male wolf meets his true mate, there is no other for him. His wolf will not allow him to stray. Wolves mate for life; there is no divorce, only dedication and love.”
She frowned. “But I’ve seen wolves fooling around on their mates, Raul.” She looked around the room before standing on her tiptoes to whisper, “Don’t tell Charley, but one night, I was hurting really bad, and well, I went to that one club by myself. The one Tank went to, but he wasn’t there that night, thank God. Do you know how many wolves got thrown out of the club because they were trying to bring in other women that weren’t their mates? I know I saw at least four.”
“Calm down now; she’s here and safe,” Raul told his wolf before trying to figure out what to say. “I’m not yelling, but if you ever, and I mean ever, go to the club without me...” He growled, and Sergio peeked in the room.
“Raul?” Sergio asked, and Raul waved his hand.
“I’m fine, just trying to get my wolf under control. Sorry,” he told Sergio and hugged her tight as his father stepped out of the room and closed the door. “We live different lifestyles, just like humans do. Some prefer vanilla relationships, while their partner is into BDSM. We don’t pick our mates; our chosen ones are born for us, as we are for them. Most likely, these men were put on restriction, because we, as a species, tend to be a little aggressive, hence the fact that decent clubs have multiple guards.”
“But wouldn’t their wolf object to the other women they want? Are you just saying this because you want to have other women, too? I don’t share.” She tried to step back, and he tightened this grip on her.
“That’s good, because if any man tried to put his hand on you, I’d rip him apart. You’re mine, Bella; from this day forth, no man will touch you again but me. You’re my body to torment and please. Oh, pet, you should see all the things I want to do to you, but some of them will have to wait. You’re not fully ready for the dark loving I’m going to give you, but that’s okay. I have patience.”
Behind them, Sergio opened the door. “It’s time to go.”
Bella stiffened again and trembled.
“Shh, I’m not going away. I’ll be right there for you, my beauty.” Raul turned and kept his small woman tucked under his arm as they went back into the dining room.
Karina stepped up to them and hugged Bella. “I wish I was going, but I’m going to stay here and veg out with Rafael in front of the TV. Be strong, sister of mine, and know I have your back. I will always be there for you.” She looked up at him. “Take care of this one, Raul. She’s special and you won’t get another chance.”
Karina stepped aside, and Rafael moved up to him. “I know I’ve been a pain in the ass, bro, but you have a winner here. I really believe she could help some of those in the pack. Please let her try. Teddy might be a pain, but he has no one after his parents were killed in that car accident three years ago. Ever since that, no one has stepped up to help him. He takes care of his little sister all by himself.”
“What? Why? That shouldn’t be happening; he’s too young. Someone has dropped the ball, and I’ll personally find out who.” Raul was furious. No wonder the kid was a hard-ass.
Bella squeezed him. “He might respond better to me if you allow me to help. We could do it together, and if he has no place to go with his little sister, he could stay with us, until we get him some help. You have plenty of rooms in that house that will be empty as soon as my family finds their own space.”
If he didn’t love her earlier, Raul did now. Before he could hug her, Rafael beat him to it.
“Thank you so much. He saved my life once, and I owe him this,” Rafael said.
“What do you mean he saved your life?” Sergio snarled behind them. “Son, we’re going to have a long talk after tonight is over,” he growled, and Rafael groaned and moved away from them.
“Yes, and I need to know who would harm my brother,” Mario snapped and stepped in front of their father. “I’ll be there with you two. I’m not leaving your sides, and Bella, I know this is going to be painful, but once it’s done, you’ll have nothing to worry about.” He hugged her tight. “And if this big goof gives you any trouble, I’m a phone call away.”
Raul growled.
“But you two better remember that I have a sister out there who is supposedly for you, Mario, and if she’s anything like me...”
Mario moaned at Bella’s words. “If she’s anything like you, I’m a goner, because I’ll be acting just like my goofy brother.” He pulled from her and looked over his shoulder at Sergio. “Acting like a fool around our mate is in our genes. We get it from our father,” he said, earning a slap upside his head from Sergio.
“Get out of the way before I show you what this fool of an old man can do.” Sergio hugged Bella. “Ignore him; they got it from my father,” he teased, earning a growl from Diego.
“Okay, guys, we have to go.” Raul laughed and nodded to Mario and Tank. Both men would be their personal guards tonight, making sure Bella wasn’t harmed aside from during the change.
They stepped out into the night air; the stars were bright tonight.
“You know, I like your family. I’m glad they’ll be mine now. I don’t know how a relationship with my real parents will play out since they’re deities or whatever you call them. That’s weird to take in since I never would have believed it. I mean, I have some talents but nothing as powerful as theirs, you know?” She looked up at Raul and he nodded.
“I think a lot of your gifts are still forming. In some species, they come as people age, but you, my sweet, have enough right now and don’t need any more. The thought of what else you’ll be able to do terrifies me.” He hugged her tight and they walked to the car.
“At least we’ll be able to call on their powers and help when we need to,” Mario said, opening the door to the backseat for them.
“That is true,” Raul said and followed Bella after she climbed in.
“It’s done; the three have been chosen,” Mario said, and Raul nodded, not wanting to know who they were. The thought of anyone getting near enough to attack Bella made him tense. Would his family be able to control him when it happened? He glanced over, noticing even Diego was coming to help.
Chapter Fourteen
Bella stared out the window as they drove down the long drive to the pack house. Rocks, sand and guards were all out in full force, literally. She’d never been so nervous in her life because this was one a major test she was destined to do.
Fuck, there is that destiny crap again, she thought as they pulled up to what had to be described as a freaking mansion. Armed men stood outside, along with long lines of people on each side of the stairs leading to the entrance.
“Why do I feel like a king or queen is going to show up?” she mumbled and wiped her hands on her leggings.
“Because you are royalty to them. You’re the alpha queen, but don’t worry, they’re all here to support you,” Raul whispered and kissed the top of her head.
When she looked up at him, Bella couldn’t help but gasp. The change in is body language was scary, and the power that clung to him was amazing. No wonder others were nervous around him.
“Wow,” she whispered, and he looked down at her and winked.
“Ready, Little Mite?” he asked, and she shook her head.
“No, I’m terrified to step out of this door.” Bel
la looked out the window again and watched as a man came to open her door. “Raul?”
“Easy, Bella, you know I’ll be there with you, and so will your family. See? Charley is waiting for you.” He pointed to where she stood craning her neck as she watched their car.
“Oh no,” Bella whispered.
“What?” Raul and Mario asked at the same time.
“Someone pissed my sister off and she’s ready to blow.” Bella reached for the door, but Raul stopped her.
“No, you always wait for your guard to open the door. He scans the area to make sure it’s safe,” he said.
“Well, he better hurry up before my sister goes apeshit on someone out there. You don’t want that, believe me,” Bella muttered.
Her door opened, and the man Sanders held out his hand for her. She had to admit the he was hot and had a nice ass.
“Ouch! What the hell?” She glared at Raul, rubbing her shoulder.
“Quit starting at your damn guard,” he growled and she laughed.
“Now tell me how many women are going to come up to me and say they had sex with you,” Bella said, getting out of the car.
“What?” he said from behind her, and Bella knew she’d surprised him.
“You heard what I said, wolf boy. How many of the women out here have you fucked?” she said, knowing others around them had heard what she said. She headed straight for Charley. “Well, what has you upset now?” she asked, putting her hands on her hips.
“Damn it, Bella, you’re not to leave my side.” Raul glared down at her, and she patted his tummy.
“Relax, I was right there in your view. Now tell me, the both of you?” she waited, and they both looked at each other.
“Too many,” he grumbled. “But none ever satisfied my need or calmed the burning ache inside me. And yes, it was all safe sex; we can’t catch any diseases.” Raul looked around as he automatically tucked her under his arm.
“And you,” Bella said.
Charley nodded to five women standing behind them and off to the right. “I heard their nasty remarks about us. It’s not going to be easy, Bella,” she said, sounding worried.
“Now, dear sister, when have I ever listened to a bunch of jealous things?” Bella said and smiled up at Raul, who was now glaring at the five women. Bella shook her head. “At least his choice in women has improved,” she said, knowing the five women heard her.
Charley laughed and Raul groaned.
“Behave,” he said and turned her toward the stairs where his family waited. “It’s time.”
Bella smiled and nodded to those around her as Raul drew her down a long hallway lined with pictures. “These are pictures of all the alphas over the years. Since we live long lives, there are only a few of us,” he told her, and she cringed, forgetting to tell him what her natural mother had planted in her head before she disappeared.
She stopped and smiled up at Raul. “Um, about that. I was going to tell you, but with one thing after another, well, there was no time.”
“Tell me what? And couldn’t this wait until later?” he asked as all eyes turned to them.
“Well, see, when you mate with me and change me, you’ll be changing a little too.” She cringed as Sergio growled.
“How will my son change? He’s alpha here; it’s his destiny,” he snapped.
Bella stepped back, a little afraid and a little pissed off. “Wait, it’s okay that I’m changed, that all this happens to me, but it’s not okay for your son to forgo anything?”
“Bella, now is not the time to show your temper,” Maria hissed, and Bella glared at her.
“Fine, your life span will increase, Raul. I’m immortal, just as you will be. Assholes,” she snapped and started to move away from them, but Raul stopped her.
He wrapped his arms around her from behind and placed a kiss on her cheek. “I’m sorry. We shouldn’t have been nasty about this. You’re right; it isn’t fair, but there’s nothing we can do about that,” he said and she nodded.
“I know that, just as I know I didn’t choose how long I’ll live. I can’t help who my parents are, just like you can’t, but to biting my head off when I was trying to inform you of something is wrong.” She glared at Sergio, who sighed.
“I’m sorry. This whole thing has me jumpy. The sooner this happens, the sooner I’ll feel better. I just wish there was an easier way to do this,” Sergio grumbled while Sunshine rolled her eyes.
“What my mate is saying is he doesn’t want to see you hurt, and this whole process is barbaric but it’s still a part of what we are,” Sunshine said, and Bella nodded, but she still she felt put out. She wasn’t part of this family for all their warm hugs and kind words.
She turned and started back down the hall, wondering if she would ever feel at home anywhere.
“Bella.” Raul grabbed her hand, squeezing it.
She kept walking in silence until they came to the end of the hallway, which opened to the grand meeting place.
Bella would never have been prepared for this. The room was as big as a football stadium and filled to the max with people. Everyone was standing and watching as Raul guided her up onto the stage. She stood behind him in her place as the submissive, when all she wanted to do was run to the nearest car and take off.
Bella listened to Raul address his pack. His stance was one of power, and she felt his love for his pack. But would he be able to love her, or was he only mating with her because of his destiny? She heard her name and looked up to see Raul holding out his hand to her. She smiled and placed her hand into his.
“Let it be known that this is my mate and the next alpha female. I will not tolerate any disrespect to her,” Raul stated.
“But what about her background? We usually have the alpha’s background before any of this,” one man grumbled, making Bella want to step back.
Gasps filled the room as everyone stared at something behind her. She turned and smiled as her biological parents stepped up behind her. Agar winked at her, and she laughed.
“May I introduce my mate’s parents? Any other questions?” Raul growled.
No one said a word as they bowed their heads.
Her mother squeezed Bella’s shoulder. “You’ll fit in fine here, you’ll see.” She kissed her cheek while her father glanced at Sergio, who bowed his head.
“Take care of my daughter. I’m trusting you as a father,” Agar said.
Bella didn’t say a word. They might be her biological parents, but she had no earthly ones who were there for her—well, except for Herme and Maria. Her gaze turned to Herme. He was glaring at Sergio, and Maria had her hand on his clenched fist.
“They love you very much, daughter, and should have been the ones to raise you. For that, I am sorry. It seems you are not the only one of our children to have been dealt a bad hand in life. I can only hope in time each of you can forgive me.”
Bella turned to her mother and hugged her. “No forgiveness is necessary. You did what you had to. I understand, and I’m grateful to have people who cared in my life.” She stepped back and smiled. “But that doesn’t mean you’re done with me. I want both of you in my life, along with my siblings. That means on Christmas and all holidays too.”
Agar laughed. “We’ll try, Little Fireball. Now we must go. We’ve held up your man’s speech long enough.” His gaze landed on Raul. “Remember what I said, boy.” With that, her parents vanished.
The whispers started as soon as they’d gone. She couldn’t make out the words, but Bella could just imagine what they were saying. She turned and resumed her position behind Raul.
He reached back and traced his index finger from her cheek to her chin, where he applied a little pressure. Bella looked up into his heated gaze. “We’ll talk later about your insecurities.” He grinned when she gasped and pulled back.
“It seems your parents have left me with a little gift. I can hear your thoughts before I’ve claimed you. I wonder why?” Raul gave her a look and she shrugged.
/> “So I have doubts just like you have. It’s nothing new. I’ve had those most of my life. They’re waiting.” She nodded to his people.
“And they’ll wait until I’m done.” He turned his gaze back to the audience, and a hush fell over the crowd. “Since it’s obvious who my woman’s parents are, I hope there will be no more doubts,” he growled, but that didn’t seem to stop a few others as questions and comments popped up from different spots in the room.
“Do you know the attention she’ll bring to the pack?”
“Do we want this?”
“Are you sure she’s your blood mate?”
“It’s happening too fast.”
Raul growled and smashed the podium, instantly silencing any objections. Bella jumped back as he shifted into full best mode, and he growled as he turned to her. She dropped to her knees and bowed her head, giving him her submission.
The room was quiet as he moved around Bella, sniffing and touching her with his clawed hand. Standing behind her, Raul carefully pulled her up against his front and wrapped his arms around her, letting out a howl that would have her ears ringing all night long.
She was even more surprised at the men and women in front of her as each one answered his howl. The whole place seemed to shake with the sound that vibrated through the walls.
Clawed hands turned to human hands while still holding her. “We are done here. Come, we’ll be gathering out in the common,” Raul murmured in her ear.
“You need to warn me when you do that,” she mumbled and took his hand. He led her down from the stage to his folks.
Sergio stared at her for a moment before hugging her tight. “I’m sorry. I broke the bond our family was building with you. For the first time in years, I’m ashamed of what I’ve done. Please believe me, you are part of this family, and you will never doubt that again,” he stated and backed up.
Bella nodded and hugged Sunshine.
“Welcome, daughter, mate to my son,” Sunshine greeted her.
Raul pulled her back to his side and nodded to Mario and their guards.
Vegas Is Burning Page 14
