Their Grouchy Bear [Milson Valley 8] (Siren Publishing Menage Amour ManLove)

by Jo Penn

  Leaving the bathroom, he picked up the ringing phone on his desk. “Starters.”

  “Alpha. We have Renegades locked down outside the Greenway shopping strip. Enforcer Drax is closing off the area and calling in an alert. There’s not many, but Second Tripp said it could be a trap to distract.”

  Tripp was usually right about these things, and Urian was more than happy to trust his Second. Possibly this was the group after Tristian, what was left of them anyway. Up in Canada they had come out in force, and most had been eliminated, others captured and now awaiting trial with the High Council. Still, there would always be some who hadn’t joined in the fight.

  “I’ll be there in fifteen minutes. Shut everything down and evacuate civilians. I want as many Renegades as possible captured. Use the special tranquilizers and smoke bombs.” Urian hung up and hurried over to a panel on his office wall. Punching in the code on the security paid, he waited for the cabinet to open and quickly loaded up on weapons.

  But as he turned away ready to join his men in fighting the Renegades who were probably coming for Tristian, he knew what he had to do. These creatures had harmed and traumatized his mate, terrorized him for a hundred odd years. Killing them was easy, making an example, a very harsh example to stop others from coming after Tristian and doing the same to anyone else, was what Urian and the Alliance needed to do. These creatures were about to meet justice and wouldn’t escape it lightly by dying.

  Nope, Urian was going to make them suffer for the rest of their filthy, miserable lives.

  Chapter Twelve

  “How are you feeling, Tris?” Finn looked over the contents of the fridge.

  “Good. Healing. Hungry.”

  “Yeah, we need to go grocery shopping.” Grabbing a box of cookies from one of the near-empty shelves, he tossed it on the table beside his mate then poured a glass of milk. “We can pop over to the cafeteria after you change.”

  “Change?”

  Finn grimaced. “Those sweats are two sizes too big. Every time you walk the pants slide down. Change.”

  “Are you saying you don’t want to see my ass?”

  “Sure, I do. I don’t want everyone else seeing it.” Finn sat with a thump. He felt tired and edgy. Since mating with Tristian a week ago, he’d felt better than he ever had before, so why he suddenly felt as he did, Finn couldn’t understand.

  “Want a cookie?”

  “Nah, not hungry.”

  “Are you okay?” Tristian asked quietly.

  Finn could feel his mate’s eyes on him and managed a smile to reassure. It mustn’t have worked because Tris just frowned at him.

  Shifters and other creatures went on and on about having all these incredible instincts telling them about some big event that was about to happen or alerting them to danger, but Finn didn’t have anything like that. What he was feeling must just be worry. It sucked, but that’s what it was. He was worried about Bastion, he was concerned about Jude, and he was upset about his visions. While his gift was becoming clearer and he was able to understand what he was witnessing easier, the side effects were less intense. Except for the one Bastion must have prompted, that had been brutal. Unfortunately, the visions weren’t telling him anything about his triplets and their lives converging.

  Maybe he’d been wrong? It happened when misreading the images, words, and flashes of feelings.

  But at the same time, it was damn hard to ignore the blood and heartache from his visions.

  ‘What are you thinking about?’

  Finn almost leaped out of his chair. “That was you in my head!”

  “Yeah, I think the double concussion shook something lose.” Tris smirked. “Possibly any lingering defenses I had with you and Urian.”

  After mating a week ago and discovering they didn’t have a mind link, Finn had been relatively dejected. Urian also had, but he’d dealt with it better, whereas Finn moped a few days, griped then accepted. Tristian though, hadn’t said a word, he’d just looked pained.

  “Are you telling me you withheld the mind link?” Finn demanded, becoming angry.

  Hadn’t he shown how sorry he was for rejecting Tristian initially? Hadn’t he smothered his mate in love, affection, and attention, given his heart completely? Right now Finn just wanted to yell. He was hurt that they had something so damn special and Tristian decided all by himself not to share it.

  It felt like a great betrayal. Standing up, Finn pushed away from the table trying hard to reel in his anger so as to be able to talk, but it was difficult when he thought about Tristian testing him and holding back because of lack of trust. Weren’t they past all that shit?

  Drawing in a deep breath and dropping his hands from where he was running them through his hair, Finn glared at his mate.

  “You jumped to a lot of conclusions then, Finbarr,” Tristian said slowly, calmly and in a tone that gave Finn pause. “Wanna keep going? Possibly accuse me of some nasty little plot to keep you from your hair glitter? Forget it. I’m out of here.”

  The bear moved fast, but Finn was confident he could catch the little bugger before Tristian made it out the door, particularly since the sweats the man was wearing hindered his every step. Putting on a burst of speed, he snagged the sweats and gave a good tug, spinning Tristian around and away from the door, providing time for Finn to block the exit. Tristian growled, jerking his pants up and glared. Finn guessed he should have thought before speaking like Urian was always telling him to do.

  “Baby, stop, please.”

  “Let me pass or I’ll unsheath my claws.”

  “Tris, you can’t go running around with a concussion, you’ll make yourself worse. Just stay here, and you can yell at me as much as you want. I overreacted, I’m sorry.”

  “Ya think?” Tristian grumbled, wincing as he put a hand on his head. “Ow.”

  “Oh, baby, I’m so sorry!” Finn scrambled over and helped Tristian up onto the side of the table. “I’m sorry, baby, I shouldn’t have reacted like that. I’ve got a lot on my mind and the thought you don’t feel what I do, that you weren’t loving me and sharing made me lose my fucking mind for a minute. I’ll call Doc Eric and see if he can give us anything for your head.”

  “And maybe you’re worried about Bastion and Jude, and that vision you had.”

  “Yeah.” Finn sighed, relief sweeping through him when Tristian wrapped strong arms around his shoulders and drew Finn against his chest. “I feel helpless.”

  “It’s a difficult feeling to deal with, Finn. Sometimes we do have to accept we don’t have choices. But…” Tristian kissed Finn’s forehead. “That doesn’t mean we can’t do something. When I was out there with a dozen creatures relying on me, and we had Renegades and others after us, I learned about prevention. Though I didn’t like it, I had to think of what the creatures following us would do to get what they wanted. How would they go about capturing us? Who would they target? What measures would they take to get them? You would have spoken to Trent Sanchez, right?”

  Finn straightened and kissed the side of Tristian’s mouth. “I did, yes. So did Urian. It’s how I knew both Bastion and Jude would make their way here. Jude to warn me, be close in case anything happened. Bastion, because he wanted to get me and didn’t know where Jude was.”

  “Now what you need to do is leave the planning of how to stop Bastion to Trent and Urian. You need to work out what your brothers will do. Think about what Jude will do, how he behaves, what he likes, where he’s comfortable. Same with Bastion. Doing that might just tell you where Bastion is hiding out, and how he is managing to stay concealed. What will Jude be doing now? He’s a freak for those flavored frozen drinks. I think he’s addicted.”

  Cupping his mate’s gorgeous, elfin face, Finn couldn’t believe how fortunate he was. This man meant everything to him. He had been fading away without Tristian, losing himself, now he felt like he was bursting with life and happiness.

  “You’re a marvel. Don’t ever leave me again, Tristian. You now I won�
��t survive. Neither will Urian.”

  “I’m not going anywhere. You and Urian are stuck with me now. Let’s go to the cafeteria, eat then we’ll make a list about your brothers.”

  “Thanks, själ.”

  ‘I love you.’

  Tristian’s voice whispering in his mind soothed Finn’s worries over losing his bear mate and the stress from his brothers.

  ‘I love you, Tristian.’

  “I tried to speak to both you and Urian telepathically, but nothing happened except a little stinging. After a few days, I guessed the problem was coming from me.” Tristian looked so sad Finn felt awful to accusing his mate of deliberately withholding. “You have no idea how many times I tried until I thought my head would explode. But then it just seemed to click. Whether it was the knocks in the head or everything just felt right…” He shrugged.

  “Your poor head. We were all upset. It means a lot to have a mind link, but I realize now it’s not everything. Our connection and love are so much more than a little telepathy.”

  “Hmm, but to me, it’s like our connection is magnified.”

  “Same. But you can’t go running outside in a huff with a concussion, baby. Get changed, and we’ll pop into the clinic then the cafeteria. Hopefully, by the time our wolf gets back, you’ll feel better, and we’ll have a long list of places to search for my brothers.”

  * * * *

  “And this is my new office.”

  Tristian followed Finn into the large, well set up space and looked around curiously. He hadn’t spent time in office buildings before, only seen them on the internet and television. His life of hiding hadn’t involved taking tours of workplaces. He had to say he was impressed. Though he liked his sitting-room-turned-study more, this suited Finn. It was organized, modern with personalized touches and he could see his mate was pleased to be here. Finn would be an asset to the High Council.

  “This is impressive,” Tristian said honestly, peering out the floor to ceiling window over the busy streets of Milson City. “View's fantastic.”

  “Yeah, better than Uri’s office.” Finn chuckled. “His is on the other side of the building and looks out over the Trading Centre.”

  “You have an office here, too?” Tristian asked his other mate.

  “Yep. Don’t use it much. Drax uses it more than me.”

  That surprised Tristian. “Why would Enforcer Drax use your office?”

  “Because Drax is a High Council member, an Alliance member, and a Senator. We take protecting this city, valley and everyone in it, very seriously.”

  Yeah, Tris had seen that when they arrived at the High Council office building dead in the center of the city an hour ago. They had been driven straight into the car park beneath the building and security had been everywhere, double checking cars, watching everyone. They hadn’t lingered in the carpark. Members of the High Council collected them, and after a lot of shaking hands and back slaps, Tris, Urian, and Finn were taken to a large conference room where a lot of Milson Valley leaders were.

  It had been difficult, but he’d gotten through the next forty-five minutes of explaining what had happened to his family, his sleuth and who were the Renegades after him. Urian had snarled at anyone who he deemed wasn’t showing Tris the right amount of respect and concern, and Finn used his charm to cool situations down, then made pointed remarks that hit the target every time. Tristian could see how good a team Urian and Finn were together, how well they balanced each other. Both were sharp, intelligent, and had a common goal of protecting, getting the best for the valley, and defeating Renegades.

  Tristian found himself really liking Prince Misha of the Durand vampire coven. He said things in a way that had everyone bristling, then smoothed it over and continued onto the next jab. He was also extremely hot, as was his brother Prince Tyler, a young vampire by the look and feel, who laughed and joked, teased and pretty much got his way on every proposal he put forward.

  Enforcer Drax was there, as was Enforcer Baron Sanchez from the Sanchez pride and he was a big creature, very intense and snapped a lot. He was also Sebastian’s triplet, and when leaving the room, Baron stopped and took the time to chat to Tristian, and not just about his gift and Renegades, nor his mates. He actually liked the big guy in the end, and the guy’s energy was this calm river with hot spots along the sides, like he could fire up when needed, but stayed calm other times. It was pretty cool.

  Tristian wasn’t about to feel sorry for himself over how well Urian and Finn fit together, instead, he was damn happy they were so tight. It meant stability and real love, the kind where they both listened and cared enough to do something when the other needed help, or a shoulder, or even a good laugh.

  “Emile, hi.” Urian put aside his phone and looked toward the door. “I was surprised you weren’t in the meeting.”

  “Urian, Finn.” A very majestic creature with dark blond hair slicked back from a gorgeous, model face, entered Finn’s office and inclined his head. “Unavoidably detained.”

  “Blood?” Uri was sniffing, frowning at the creature. “Yours. What happened?”

  “A minor accident. I thought it prudent to introduce myself to your new mate.” The creature inclined his head, dark blue eyes sweeping over Tristian without sexual or predatory interest, and with a lack of any friendliness. “I am Emile Sanchez. I am on many boards and chair numerous others. One of my assistants has taken the liberty of setting up an e-mail address for you, Tristian, and forwarded my information for your reference. The details have been sent to Beta Kelly. Excuse me.”

  “What the…” Urian rolled his eyes as Emile Sanchez walked off without another word. “Back in a sec, mates.”

  Finn laughed and hugged Tris a moment, then went to his desk and sat. “There’s drinks in the fridge if you’re thirsty, Tris.”

  “That was weird, right? Not just me thinking it was strange because I have limited social skills?” Tris opened the fridge and took out a soda for himself and sparkling water for Finn. Normally he didn’t have sugary drinks, but occasionally he indulged, and after that meeting, he definitely required a sugar kick.

  Finn chuckled and took his water. “Thanks, baby. Yes, a little weird. Emile is known as the Prestigious Prince. He has excellent social skills, can be exceptionally charming and is a pinup for every horny creature.”

  “Really? He’s way hot, like smokin’ model standards—”

  “Hey!” Finn narrowed his eyes and scowled. “Whether Emile is or not, you don’t notice. Got it?”

  “I’d be blind and stupid not to notice, hon.” Tris laughed. “So he models?”

  “No.” Finn snorted. “I mean that he’s got lots of creatures lusting after him and a long-term girlfriend, a witch. Though between you, me and Uri, I don’t see it.”

  “Don’t see what?” Tris was completely drawn into the gossip.

  Finn grinned. “She’s lovely and smart and looking at them together you think wow! Gorgeous couple, perfect together. But they’re not mates, and I don’t see a spark.” Finn’s aqua eyes lit up. “I asked Archie once what he saw in Emile’s aura, but the annoying vampire said he’s family to the Sanchez’s and wouldn’t tell me shit. But you, my delectable little bear, are loyal to me. What did you see in Emile’s energy?”

  Sipping his drink, Tris shrugged. “Scary shit.”

  “What?” Finn blinked, mouth falling open. “He’s psycho? Man, I didn’t see that coming. Then again, his family does sometimes refer to him as nutty—”

  “No, he’s not psycho.” Tris chuckled, loving how Finn jumped from one thing to another so quickly. “His energy is remarkably level. Flat almost. It’s scary because I wouldn’t want to be flat all the time. He’s a workaholic, right? Always talks about work-related topics? Do you ever see him hanging out with friends? Clubbing? Dinners? Laughing?”

  “Oh…no. Lots of work functions and a few get-togethers for building relations between the paranormal groups…that’s rather sad. He must have hundreds of creatures wh
o’d love to be his friend.” Finn wiggled his brows.

  Meaning more than friends. Tris could see it. The shifter Prince was an eleven on a scale of one to ten in the looks department, and some creatures wouldn’t be able to resist trying to mess up his perfect appearance and get a reaction out of the man.

  “I’d say it’s his choice. Probably if he’s near those he loves and cares about his energy would pump up. Otherwise, I just think he’s bored.” Tristian shrugged.

  “Hey, where’s Uri?” Drax strode in, followed by Tripp and the bear shifter’s mate, Eddie.

  “Followed Emile out of here a few minutes ago. What’s up?” Finn asked.

  “We’ve been called in for an emergency meeting.”

  “Me?” Finn frowned. “But if Uri and I are both in the meeting, Tristian is alone. No—”

  “I can handle a few hours away from you and Urian.” Tristian jerked a thumb toward the window. “I wouldn’t mind popping into that paranormal club down the street for soldiers and cops.”

  “Oh definitely not!” Finn exclaimed.

  “Definitely not what?” Urian walked in, looking between them all.

  Five minutes later, Tristian and Eddie were on their way to the paranormal club called Cuffs. Finn hadn’t been happy about it, but Urian said since Tristian had authority issues it would be good to mingle with those who served and protected. Tristian didn’t see how having a beer in Cuffs would accomplish that, and he didn’t believe he had issues with authority. Nope, he just did what he thought best and if soldiers and cops got in the way, too bad. Not that he’d hurt the police or soldiers. He’d just do his best to twist, turn and baffle them.

  The moment they stepped into Cuffs, Tristian’s jaw dropped.

  “Wow,” Eddie murmured in a whisper.

  The club was packed despite it being four o’clock in the afternoon. Most of the occupants were in a uniform of some kind. Alliance, pack, pride, police, and others. Until that moment, Tris wouldn’t have said he had a thing for guys in uniform, but after this, he may ask Urian and Finn to dress up as soldiers and cops for him. If he recalled correctly, Urian did used to be the captain of police before he stepped down and Tripp took over. Maybe Tris’s mate still had his old uniform. He was hard just thinking about it.