Bella took his hand as he stepped away. “Do you need to feed? You can take some of my blood if you need it. Maybe it would help?” she offered. The idea made her a little nervous, but she’d do anything to keep him safe.
He smiled and ran a finger down her cheek until it rested on her pulse in her throat. “I’m good, Little Wolf. Tank offered me some of his blood earlier, and that helped a lot.”
Bella swore Lucid’s eyes changed color for a second, but when she blinked, they were back to their normal dark green. She reached up to touch his cheek, and he leaned over and nipped her finger, shocking her.
“Hey, that hurt,” she moaned, watching as he sucked on her index finger, knowing he had broken the skin.
He slid his tongue over her finger and placed a kiss on it before releasing it. “You, my dear, are a surprise. Be safe, my little pet, or we will be very angry.” He kissed the top of her head. “Now get changed.”
* * *
Raul looked up as Lucid came into the living room. “She okay?”
“She’s nervous and she wants to do more to help, but she’s fine. So are they waiting for us?” Lucid asked, joining him on the couch. “Have they made their move?”
“Yes, from what I can see, they’re forming three different positions, so they’ll have backup if you get through the first group,” Adora stated, coming into the room with her husband. She took a deep breath and looked at Lucid. “We’ve cleaned your place, but there’s a problem. You have someone there that practices dark magic. They won’t be able to get back into your club now, but they were there, so they’ll most likely try and be there later.” She looked up at Gael.
“I found seven heavy hitters, but we can deal with them. But there’s a larger problem here,” he said.
“What?” Raul asked as Charley and Bella came into the living room. Bella wore the black satin robe with the wolf outline on it, while Charley wore a white robe with a wolf outline.
“Go on, Gael.” Raul pulled Bella into his lap and held her.
“Now, this could be nothing, but it seems there are more demons here other than her guards,” Gael said.
Casper, who was leaning against the far wall, moved forward. “Where? Do you know how many?”
“There are at least three, and they’re joining the ranks with that group you told me about, Raul. Their numbers have increased as well. We have humans, wolves and your kind, Lucid, mixed with them.” Gael stopped talking and looked toward the door. “You have company, and I don’t recognize this person.”
Raul placed Bella in Lucid’s lap, knowing he’d keep her from interfering. Before he could stand from the couch, someone pounded on the door.
Tank moved to the door and looked back at Adora. “I know you put wards on this place. Is he okay?”
“He’s not into dark magic and doesn’t pose a threat to Bella, but that is all I know,” Adora said, glancing at Maria as she came into the room with her sisters. “But not to worry, we’re ready if he starts anything.”
Tank opened the door and sniffed the air. “Cat, you are far away from home, aren’t you?”
It had been years since the cat alpha had visited Raul. “Thorn, it’s been a long time. Please come in,” Raul said, nodding to Tank. “Tank, this is Thorn Legend. He’s the alpha for the cat pack to the east, and he also oversees the north and west packs. What brings you here?” Raul asked, nodding to the seat opposite the couch.
Thorn glanced at Bella in Lucid’s arms. “Crap, so it is true,” he said, sitting.
“What are you talking about?” Raul frowned as he sat too.
“Why didn’t you ask for help?”
Raul sighed and sat forward. “I really didn’t think we needed it. How did you find out about this mess?”
“I got a visit last night from someone called Sana-Sun. To say she was worried was an understatement. The ground under our pack has opened up. We’ve lost four homes, and two are dead. I have 33 men with me that are ready to help to get this done. Now, where do you need me?”
“You honor me and my woman.” Raul looked over at Bella. “Thorn, this is Bella Ozter, our woman. Her sister, Charley, is over there with my new enforcer, Tank Rander. The others here are their family. They’ve come to help.”
Bella leaned over to shake his hand, but Raul caught it. “Sorry, Thorn, but right now I’m at my limit, and I can’t allow any other man’s scent on her, especially with the claiming so close.”
The ground rumbled, and Bella sighed but smiled at him. “Can I ask a question?” she said and Charley groaned.
“Bella,” she warned.
“What? I have to know. Are you little kitty cats or tigers?” Bella asked, sounding almost too excited.
Thorn laughed. “I’m a black panther, but there are a few tigers, leopards and such, and no, there are no little kitty shifters. And, Raul, I totally understand; no hard feelings here. Now where do you want my men?”
Raul turned his attention to Tank. They needed a backup team tonight when they moved to the club, but in order to do that, could he risk telling Thorn the truth?”
“You can trust him and his men,” Agar said, appearing in the room. “Adora, show me those that are here, please, so I may take that threat away. I might not be able to help, but I’ll make sure none of my men are here to interfere. They’re threating my daughter and have stepped over the line.”
Thorn sat up and glanced from Bella to Agar. “He’s your father?”
Bella laughed. “Yes, I just found out, and so did he. I have two fathers. Herme is my Earth father who was here with me. So I guess I’m very lucky,” she said, looking up at Agar, who turned to wink at her.
“Thorn, your mate has followed you; just thought you should know. She’s sitting out there, watching,” Agar said.
“I’ll tan her hide!” Thorn growled as he jumped up and stormed to the door.
“Might as well bring her in, since it’s obvious she’s not going to leave,” Bella said. “Plus, I’d love to meet her. Maybe we can compare notes.” She looked at Charley, who rubbed her hands together.
Raul growled. “Little Mite.”
“What? I’m just being nice.” She smiled, but he could see the teasing in her gaze.
He leaned over and nipped he nose. “I can’t wait to introduce you to my paddle,” he growled.
The front door opened, and Thorn came through, followed by a woman wearing Thorn’s shirt. He took his seat and pointed to the floor at his feet, where she knelt. “Sorry about that.”
“Good. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to take care of a few of my men. Daughter, your mother and I will visit next week when things settle down.” He glanced at Raul, who nodded.
“But if you need me, I’ll know. Take care of my blood, you two,” he said and disappeared.
“Well, that took care of one threat,” Adora said and smiled. “Now we’re going to get in to seek out those seven that are threatening you. We’ll meet back here when we’re done.” She looked around at her daughters. “Not one mark or I will be pissed,” she grumbled before disappearing.
Raul stood and pulled Bella out of Lucid’s lap and looked to Thorn. “I’d like your people to hold back. I don’t want anyone to know you’re here right now. I want you and your men as a backup when we really do bring our women to the club tonight. Now, if things get out of hand this afternoon, you’ll know what to do.”
“Sounds like a plan. Would you mind if Missy stays here with your woman?” He looked down at the woman at his feet as he grabbed a handful her wild hair; he pulled her head back. “You’ll stay here and behave.”
She growled, then whispered, “Yes, Master.”
“Just think of it this way, Kitten: you’ll be helping to protect Raul’s woman. And if you are good, maybe Lucid will allow us to use his club tonight.” Thorn turned his gaze to Lucid, who smiled.
“I would be honored to have you there. You are always welcome. As a matter of fact, consider this an open invitation for you and you
r people. Our city is diverse enough that no one would think it out of place for you to visit. We have a few other species that visit often too.”
“Thank you. We’re not really city people, but every once in a while, we do need a change, and I’ve promised Kitten here that we would check out your club to see if it was something we would be comfortable with.” He stood and pulled his woman up.” I will have your word you will stay here.”
“I’ll stay even though I don’t like it. No offense.” Missy looked over at Bella.
“Hey, don’t worry about it. I wanted to go also, but I was told no. But this way maybe we can get to know each other.”
The front door opened, and Mario came in with a few of Raul’s men and Charley and Bella’s uncles.
“The cars are ready. I would suggest that Thorn go out the back way and have his men follow behind us slowly. Our enemies are already watching us,” Mario said. “I’ll get the safe room ready. Keep the girls busy.”
Raul growled. “Keep your hands to yourself, brother,” he ordered, making Bella and Charley laugh.
Mario rolled his eyes. “Please, give me some credit here. Do you really believe I’d start something when I’m going to be mated another one of Bella’s sisters? Now get going; it’s getting late. I’ll wait for the women in the room.” He glanced at Thorn. “Is your woman coming with me? Bella and Maria will be back in a few seconds after the others see them leaving.”
“Be safe, Master, or you’re going to have one very furious cat,” Missy growled before Thorn covered her mouth in a kiss.
Tank moved to the door before he lifted Charley into his arms. “Be good, Charley, and I promise to take you shopping next week.”
Charley smiled, wrapping her arms around Tank’s neck. “You take us shopping; I’ll promise to try.” She smiled, and he growled, walking out the door after his uncle opened it for them.
“Come on, baby, it’s our turn to put on a show,” Raul said, lifting Bella into his arms. Her robe slipped open a little, giving him a glimpse of her round breast. Her small hands warmed his cheeks as she turned his head to look at her.
“Concentrate. You don’t need to be thinking of that right now. You’re going into battle here. Missy isn’t the only one who will be extremely pissed off if you come back hurt.” She placed a kiss on his lips, her gaze never leaving his. “You make me feel safe, like home. I can’t lose that when I’ve never had it,” she whispered.
“You are not going to lose me, ever,” he promised and made his way outside and onto the porch, where he stood, looking around. Raul knew their enemies were out there watching and couldn’t figure out who they were, but soon enough, he would know the traitors’ identities and nothing would stop him from destroying them.
“Let’s go,” Herme said and moved to the limo next to them. “Maria and the others are in position. They’ll know when to attack, but they can’t risk it right now until they are certain they mean harm to you two.”
Raul growled when they got into the limo facing Herme. “Now they know our plans.”
Herme snorted. “I’m not that dumb; there’s a spell on us. They can’t hear a word we say. This way, they’ll still think she’s in the car.”
“Sorry, I should have thought of that.” Raul let out the breath he’d been holding.
“That’s why we are here to help. Are you ready to go back into the house, Bella?” Herme held out his hand for her.
“Be safe, Little Mite. I’ll be home soon, I promise.” Raul placed a kiss on her lips before turning her to face Lucid.
“Listen to Mario and don’t move up into the house. They can sense movement,” Lucid reinforced before kissing her cheeks.
“I’m not that stupid, but my words to you. You be safe, Lucid, because you’re now part of my life—a big part.” She placed her hand into Herme’s, ready to go to the safe room. “Let’s go.”
Chapter Twenty-Three
When they arrived at the safe room, Herme looked at Charley, then at Bella. “You two listen to Mario. I know Raul didn’t want to say anything, but if something goes wrong, you need to follow his instructions.” He turned to Mario. “I know you have your plane ready, but you will not go there if anything goes wrong. We have a plane under my family name that no one knows about. It’s in a hangar near the western field of the airport, and it’s ready to leave as soon as you get there. I also have three of my family there waiting to help the women.” He glanced over at Missy.
“Yes, that includes you, too, Lady Kitty. Because you’ve chosen to associate yourself with my daughters, you are at risk also, so don’t give Mario any trouble. You can come back and hunt for those later, understood?” he asked, growling.
Missy lowered her head and stepped back. “Yes, sir.” She peeked up at Bella when Herme disappeared. “Why did I just agree with him?”
Bella laughed, looking around the large underground room. “Because you have a brain. Believe me, no one says no to him. Damn, this place is huge, and it even has a bathroom and kitchen.” She looked over at Mario, who just shrugged.
“Raul wanted somewhere we could live for a while if need be. There are four bedrooms, two bathrooms and a storage room with enough food for a month. We switch it out regularly to keep it fresh.” He looked up with a smile on his face. “But I did go shopping last night. I do keep my promises.”
“What?” Charley swung around, staring at him. “Where?”
“Now, if you don’t like what I got, when things settle down, you can return them. But the saleslady said they were her best sellers.” Mario turned and looked at Missy. “Don’t worry; there’s enough for you too.”
“What are you talking about?” Missy asked, following Mario as he moved down the hallway and opened a door.
“You’ll see,” he said as he stepped back. “Go on, you three have some fun. Even Tank and Raul have bought a few things for you.” Mario leaned against the wall, waiting for them to go into the room.
Charley ran inside and screamed, “Oh. My. God. Bella!”
Bella rounded the corner and stepped into the room. She was shocked at the sight of bags and bags of things. “Damn!” She turned and looked behind her.
Mario was smiling from ear to ear. “Did we do okay?”
“We’ll find out as soon as we start digging, but thank you. You really didn’t have to do this,” Bella said and Charley snorted.
“Yes, he did. He destroyed my favorite purse.”
Bella glanced at Missy, who just stared at the bags. “Our apartment and most of our belongings were destroyed before we came here. With the threat against me, we haven’t been able to go out and replace most of what we’ve lost.”
Missy looked at her, and the anger in her eyes surprised Bella. “I’m so sorry. I know what it’s like to lose everything. When I moved here from Florida, I wasn’t welcome. A few of the men decided I needed to leave, that I wasn’t good enough to join their pack. See, I’m half-cougar; my father was human.”
“I hope you didn’t leave any pieces left,” Charley said, waving her in. “Come on, help us open these bags and see what we have. Oh, and if you need us to help rip someone apart, let us know. We could sic Momma on them, too.”
Bella laughed and opened the first bag. She squealed as she pulled out two purses. “Damn, he did well!” Bella said, tracing her finger over the Bottega Veneta logo. “I can’t believe you spent this much money,” she said, looking up at Mario, who shrugged.
“You’re worth it. For the first time in years, my brother is happy. Missy, I hope Thorn took care of those men.”
She smiled and joined Bella and Charley on the bed. “Yes, they are no more, and the pack knows better to start anything with me now. I was ready to leave, but Thorn convinced me to stay,” she said as Charley handed her a shopping bag.
“Start digging in, and we’re glad you are here. Mario, what does that flashing light in the corner mean?” She pointed to it.
He stiffened and ran into the other room, and the wo
men followed, not saying a word in case someone was trying to find them. They found Mario in what appeared to be a security room filled with monitors and a large computer.
“We have company in the house, and it’s not friendly. But don’t worry, they won’t find us or hear us,” Mario said, pointing to one monitor that showed three men searching through one of the rooms.
“But I thought my mom and aunts put a ward on the house. How could they get in?” Charley asked, scooting in closer to Bella to get a better look at the monitor.
“She did. So this isn’t good. Who could break through their work?” Mario asked.
Charley backed away from the monitor, looking scared. “If they can get by the wards, aren’t they going to find us down here?”
Bella’s gaze flew to Mario as Missy growled next to her. Mario turned and took Charley’s hand. “No one knows where this room is, and we are well hidden.” He smiled at Bella. “Believe me, your mate knows what he was doing. He got the help of some fae when he built this place. No one will find it.” He glanced back at the monitor. “See? They’re standing right on the door, but they can’t find anything.”
“Charley, who would be able to break your grandmother’s spells?” Bella asked.
“One of my uncles—well, Herminio was my uncle. My grandfather and mother disowned him. They tried to get him help from what my mom told me, but it never worked. Seems he was never right in the head, even as a child. They caught him killing animals at an early age. One time, he actually hurt Momma; that’s how she got the scar on her arm. He disappeared when he got older, and every once in a while, Herminio would show up and hurt someone until Grandmother had enough. He has a number of death warrants on his head... Fuck.” Charley shook as she stared at another monitor. “It’s him. Look, there’s Grandma and Grandpa”
“Shit, they need someone to cover their back.” Bella pointed the three intruders she hadn’t noticed until now as they moved out of the room and went down a dark hall.
“Not to worry. Look.” Missy pointed to another monitor that showed four men moving into the house. “Those are Thorn’s men.” She snorted. “It figures he’d leave them here to guard the house. They’re good, believe me. Those three won’t stand a chance against them.”
Vegas Is Burning Page 23
