Maxim sat down and pulled Willow into his lap. At first she was stiff, but then she relaxed when she realized he wasn’t going to let her get up.
“From what I’ve seen, your mother has done a wonderful job protecting what’s around us, but with her not here, some of her gift left with her. But not to worry, if I’m right, your grandmother is now doubling the spells around this place?” Maxim glanced up at Baal, who nodded.
“It’s done and those two won’t be able to step into this neighborhood again, but I want to know where they’re at. If they have some contact with Benitta, it’s not going to be good for those out there. We’re going to have body bags again.” Baal turned and glanced out at the window. “I hate not being able to track her. I should have killed her long ago.”
Maxim glanced over at Alton and he could see the anger stirring in the depths of his eyes, but he said nothing and approached to them.
“They’ve already started, according to the Beta of this area. Hedrick and Ana will be here soon. We’re going to have to go back.” Gage said, glancing at Tamara, who came into the room with Dylan.
“No,” I’m not leaving. You promised me a weekend and I want to spend it with Willow and her son.” She glared at Gage and Lars.
“It’s not safe here for you, Tamara, and you’re pregnant. You can visit with her later, or maybe she should come back with us and bring Dylan?” Gage looked at his grandfather, who looked at Willow.
“It would be safer there for you and Dylan till we find this person,” he said, but she already was shaking her head.
“No, this is my home and I’m not leaving. We are safe here, plus can’t your Beta handle the pack for the weekend, Gage? I’d really like to have Tamara here for a few days just to catch up. Plus, I’d like to introduce her to a few people here. Please let her stay.” Willow looked at him, and he sighed.
“You know there’s the leak back there. I really believe she’d be better off here till you find that leak anyway,” Willow stated, her body stiff, waiting for his grandson’s rejection.
“Gage, things will run fine at home, and I have to agree with Willow,” Maxim said. “With a leak back home, I think it would be better if Tamara is here until you find the traitor. Don’t forget your father is there to help the Betas. He did control the pack for a number of years. With all of us here, maybe we can come up with some sort of plan or figure out what is going on. But Willow, like Tamara, you will have guards at all time. They will be here in a few hours, but for now Hedrick is here with his wife.” Maxim kissed the top of her head and headed towards the door. He opened it to see his grandson.
“So you caught up to your mate then?” Hedrick grinned, and stepped into the room before his wife. He glanced over at Baal, then at him. “It’s safe?”
“Yes, it’s safe. Do you really believe I’d allow you here otherwise?” Maxim shook his head and moved to Willow’s side. “Hedrick, you’ve met Willow, but this is her son, Dylan, and her father, Baal.”
Hedrick cocked his head to the side, winking at Willow before kneeling in front of Dylan. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Dylan. I heard how brave you were earlier, facing that man and trying to protect your momma. You will make a fine warrior.” Hedrick held out his hand to the little guy. “Welcome to the family.”
Chapter Three
Willow, Tamara and Ana worked at cleaning the kitchen and dining room, talking about small stuff for the first 15 minutes before Tamara turned and leaned against the counter, staring at her. “Okay spill, sister. It’s obvious that something is bothering you.”
“I’m just a little nervous, is all,” Willow muttered, and peeked around the corner to see the men deep in a conversation. Alton must have felt her gaze because he glanced over his shoulder at her, winking. “Stupid,” she muttered and ducked back into the kitchen.
“How can he even want to be with me after losing his wife? And look at Maxim, he’s had how many women and how many children?” she hissed and started to pace in the kitchen. Both Ana and Tamara stopped what they were doing and turned to stare at her, smiling.
“Willow, damn, it’s going to take some time getting used to saying that,” Tamara said, reaching out, taking her hands and squeezing them.
“You and Alton will have something totally different than what he had with his wife. You start fresh, my dear.” She looked around and stepped a little closer. “Can you block what we are saying.” She nodded to the door that lead out to the living room and Willow nodded, setting the spell in place.
“You can speak, they won’t hear us,” she reassured Tamara.
“I love Lars, and I wouldn’t say this because it would hurt him, but Alton’s relationship with his wife was different. It wasn’t a passion kind of love relationship. It was like a duty type thing. She never came to any of the dinners unless it was a formal thing and Alton needed her by his side. Don’t get me wrong, they both cared for one other, even loved each other, but it was different.” Tamara sighed and released her hands, leaning against the counter. “It’s almost as if their marriage was arranged like in the old days, if that makes sense. Hell, maybe that did happen back then. Who knows?”
“You really believe that?” Willow asked, settling against the counter across from them, taking a drink of the beer she had gotten earlier.
“Yep, but I won’t repeat it in front of Lars. There are just somethings that aren’t said. I’m sure he knows I’m aware of them, but I just keep my mouth shut.”
She couldn’t help it, Willow burst out laughing. “You keep your mouth shut?” she teased and Tamara through her dish hitting her in the face.
“That’s not fair and you know what I meant,” she pouted.
“I know, but Tamara, look at them, they’ve been with so many. I mean come on how many children does Maxim have? With how many women?” She looked at Ana, who smiled.
“You have to remember even though Maxim was with these women, it was all about sex. There were no feelings involved. Sure, he loves his children, and the woman are close to them, but in his heart, there will be only you. You’ll see. This past month, I’ve never seen him so aggravated. Believe me, he was snapping at everyone, and don’t think I haven’t noticed the way he has been staring at you, the both of them. Honey, you have nothing to worry about, plus with all that experience, think of all the pleasure they’ll bring you.” Ana wiggled her eyebrows and she moaned. “Oh my, I shouldn’t be talking to my soon to be grandmother this way.” Ana pretended to blush and they all busted out laughing.
“If you call me grandmother, I swear, I’ll turn you into a cat just so Hedrick’s wolf can chase you all around,” Willow said, than frowned. “But wait, he might enjoy eating pussy cat too much.” Willow jumped and she swore her face must have turned a bright pink when Maxim came into the kitchen, hearing what she had just said.
“Do I even want to know what’s going on here?” He tried to hold back the laugh, but couldn’t as he reached out and pulled her into his arms. “I didn’t know you could be embarrassed so much sweetie. We’ll have to explore that more later. Right now, we thought you ladies would like to take a walk and see Bourbon Street at night. Your father has agreed to stay behind and watch Dylan for us, plus my grandson would like to get to know the layout of the area. His Beta is meeting him in front of the hotel.” Maxim buried his face in the crook of her neck and nipped at her skin. “You, little kitty, I have chased enough and I will gladly eat...” She reached up and covered his mouth with his hand. “Don’t even say it.” She shook her head, seeing the laughter in his eyes.
“The conversation was for us girls, not for you to hear.” Willow took her hand away, but not before Maxim sucked on one of her fingers.
“Is that why we heard nothing and what didn’t you want us to hear my little kitten.” He hugged her tight staring down at her.
“That is none of your business. Now release me, so I can show my father where everything is.” Looking back over her shoulder, she added. “You know there’s a
n extra bedroom here, Tamara, if you guys want to stay,” but already she was shaking her head no.
“Nope, we’re staying at the hotel. I want to see if they have one a masseuse. I would so kill for a great rub down tonight,” Tamara said, earning a few growls from Gage and Lars as they came into the kitchen.
“No one will be giving you a rub down expect us,” Gage said, yanking her into his arms. “I’m a very jealous wolf here. Do you really think Lars would allow it?” Everyone turned to glance at Lars, and, sure enough, the beast inside Lars was peeking through. His eyes were a dark red and his fangs were extra-long coming out his mouth down to his chin.
Tamara sighed and shook her head. “See what you can look forward to?” Tamara went into Lars’ arms and nodded to Alton, who had joined the small group in the kitchen. “Easy there big guy,” she heard Tamara saying as Willow turned to look at Alton, who shrugged.
“My family line has always agreed to share our bodies with the other. It makes us stronger and protects those we love. In a way, they also bind with our loved one, become mated without women.” Alton explained, as her father came walking over with Dylan in his arms.
“She will need the extra protection, I believe. From what I’ve seen in her mind, my daughter has a habit of risking too much?” Baal said, giving her the eye, and she laughed.
“Sorry, Pops, but that isn’t going to work with me. Now, let me show you a few things. I’d like you to stay here tonight in mom’s room,” Willow inched her way to her father and placed her hand on his arm. “My mom always made sure I knew the truth about you. That one night you showed her much, and in doing so, she fell in love with you. She shared parts of those memories with me, showing me my true father, one I’m very proud to have.” Willow squeezed his arm and went to move past him, but he wrapped his arm around her and stared down at her.
“Are you sure you want me here tonight?” He glanced at Alton and Maxim. “You need some time alone with them.”
She shook her head. “I also want my father here with me for a few days, please. We have my room if we get to that point, and its soundproof, as is your room. Unless there is an emergency, you will hear nothing. As is Dylan’s room. Now come, let me show you mom’s room.” Willow moved out of the kitchen and down the hall towards the bedrooms.
The first room she showed her father was Dylan’s. Posters of dragons on the wall, in the corner his Lego city, and on his bed his favorite blanket she had given him two years ago. Next, she moved to her mother’s room at the end of the hallway, opening the door and steeping in. She took a deep breath, smelling her mother, noticing she had only taken a few things with her and that the majority of her belongs were still here. “I can still smell her in here.” Willow looked up at her father as he moved to her side, taking in everything around him.
“I wish I could remember that night.” He shook his head.
“It was March 25, 1822 and let’s just say you were not in a great frame of mind at that time, but Mom recognized right away that you were her mate and that she would only have that one night with you. She cherished that night father. It got her through many lonely nights.”
“In the nightstand there is my journal. Give that to him, but do not let on I’m talking to you. Right now, it’s too dangerous for me to be near you, but know I’m watching. I always make sure my baby girl is protected.” Her mother’s voice penetrated the barriers she had placed in her head.
“Do you really think I can’t get past those, silly girl? But I’m not the only one. Your men will be also be able to, but they will not hear what I say unless I allow it.”
“As can I, my mate. Come home, I can protect you,” her father said inside her head. The power radiating off him had her staggering, but again one of her men, Alton was there, wrapping his arms around her, holding her.
At once her mother was gone and she whimpered, needing her mom. Tears filled her eyes as she looked down at the ground so her son and the others couldn’t see, but all was for naught.
Baal placed his finger under her chin. “Look at me, little girl,” he said.
She wiped the single tear that slipped down, and glanced up at him. At once Dylan held his arms out to her and she picked him up, hugging him. “I’m okay Dylan, just thinking of something sad.”
“I’m going to spank your mother’s butt when I catch up to her,” Baal mumbled, and she smiled when her mother’s laughter filled the room, surprising them all.
“You may try, my mate, if you catch me first,” her mother’s voice rang out so everyone could hear her. Her mother was challenging her father and Willow loved it. “I actually believe you’re too old to do it though.” She teased, before once more Laurann’s voice faded away.
“Woman, you are in so much trouble!” Her father growled and glanced down at Willow, then back at Alton and Maxim. “Now, you see what I mean? If Willow is anything like her mother, you two are going to have problems,” he grumbled, and she laughed.
“Yep, and I’m proud of it, but isn’t the challenge and the chase better especially when you catch her?” Willow asked her father, while peeking at Maxim and Alton.
“No! Do you know the danger you and your mother place yourselves in? You should be protected and loved, not running around getting into trouble.” Baal said, with Alton and Maxim agreeing.
She stiffened in Alton’s arms at the same time her mother’s bedroom side table flew open. “Watch it, old man. I know a few tricks myself,” Laurann said, and all at once her father was on his ass, looking up at her. The shock on his face was priceless.
Never had Willow laughed so hard, even Dylan was giggling and pointing to his grandfather.
Behind her, Alton buried his face into her hair and mumbled, “That wasn’t very nice.”
“Then certain men shouldn’t assume we are fooling around.” Willow turned, stepping out of Alton’s arms, facing him. “I was coming home. I wasn’t out running around, so don’t go all cocky on me because you are libel to end up next to my father on the floor. Plus, you do know I’m still signed with Lars and Gage.”
Her son giggled as she marched past Alton. “Come on Dylan, let’s get your PJ’s on. By then your grandfather should be recovered enough to watch you.” Willow pushed through the door to see Tamara standing there with tears running down her face from laughing so hard.
“Oh my god, your mom is awesome! I so can’t wait to meet her,” her sister said, earning a swat on the rear from Lars.
“Behave, or I’ll spank your cute little...” he stopped, looking down at Dylan. “Butt.”
“Lars, Willow is not going out on any more assignments, so start the damn paperwork,” Maxim ordered.
***
Alton watched their woman stiffening at Maxim’s words, but she ignored him as she went into her son’s room to change him. His heart swelled with love for their little kitten. Oh, he and Maxim had heard every word the woman had said in the kitchen, and he had to admit it hurt to hear Tamara’s words, but they were true. His marriage had been an arranged one. Alton had loved his wife, but wasn’t in love with her. Both had done their duty to the marriage, having the children they were supposed to, arriving at parties as a couple and sharing the same bedroom, but that was as far as it had gone.
Each of them had gone their separate ways when time allowed. God, his life had been a shell. He looked up to see Maxim there next to him. “When your life was a shell, I was out there… We both have to be grateful to be given a chance at the real thing. But the thought of her out there running around,” Maxim snarled, drawing Gage’s attention.
“Problem grandfather?” Gage teased and Tamara giggled.
“Watch it, boy, I can still knock you down, remember that,” Maxim mumbled, earning a laugh as Willow came out, carrying Dylan.
“I so would love to see you rolling around, getting all that blond hair dirty. What do you think Dylan? Maybe you should take Maxim to the wresting ring with you and Marco tomorrow?”
Dylan looked at him,
than at Maxim. The boy smiled and nodded. “Marco said there wasn’t anyone…” he scrunched up his face. “Challenge something challenge.”
Maxim leaned in close to Dylan. “You don’t think I could take this Marco?”
Dylan shook his head giggling. “Marco is big, he can pick both Mommy and I up at the same time. But I’ll tell him to be nice since you might be my daddies.” Dylan looked at his mom. “Are they going to be my daddies?”
Alton and Maxim watched as their woman fidgeted with Dylan, placing him on the ground before looking up at Alton and then at Maxim. “Yes, they’ll be your daddies,” she mumbled, looking at Dylan. “Is that okay with you?”
The boy glanced at Maxim, then at Alton, studying them. One thing was for sure, the little guy was very smart for his age and well-developed almost to…
“Yes, they are good. There is no bad in them.” Dylan turned and moved towards Baal as he came down the hall.
“Go on, go for your walk. I’ll keep the little guy here company. I have all sorts of stories I can tell him.” Baal reached down and lifted Dylan in his arms, placing him on his shoulders as they all moved into the living room.
“Hold on a minute,” Willow said, and ran down the hall to a room they hadn’t seen before and he knew it was her room.
In a matter of minutes, Willow came back out in a red halter summer dress that left him speechless for about a minute. “You’re going out in that?” Alton snarled, noticing the way her nipples hardened, and he could actually smell the excitement coming off of her.
“What’s wrong with this? It’s my favorite dress to wear when walking along Bourbon Street.” She frowned and looked down at herself. “I mean all the men… Oh.” She lifted her face smiling. “Don’t worry, Alton, I won’t be going home with any them,” she teased, moving towards the door, but Maxim stopped her progress, wrapping his arm around her waist and yanking her back against his chest.
The Forgotten One: Book Three of the Surrender Series Page 4
