A knock on her door had her looking up to see Matty peeking his head in and looking around. “Is Storm here?” he asked.
Elf hated to break the news to her brother, but she wouldn’t lie to him. “No, she has a date for the social. She went to meet him.” Matty’s eyes, turned a red color, and she could hear the growl as her daughter hid behind her, holding onto her leg as she did when frightened, afraid the guards would take her away.
“Get out,” Elf ground out. “You’re scaring my daughter. Maranda, it’s okay, baby, your uncle is just having a bad day,” Elf said, placing her son in the stroller, kneeling down to face her. “We’re safe here, baby,” she whispered, pulling her into her arms, hugging her tight. When she looked up to see Matty there, his eyes were normal.
Kneeling next to them, he sighed. “I’m sorry, princess, I didn’t mean to scare you. I was just a little upset and hurt.”
Her daughter peeked at him, “You won’t hurt Momma? I’ll be good,” she whispered, bringing tears to her eyes.
“No one is going to hurt you or your momma again, Maranda, that I promise.” Matty stood but not before placing a kiss on her daughter’s cheek and leaning over, squeezing her arm. “Now, if you excuse me, I need to find a little fairy and apologize again and deck the idiot she’s with,” he grumbled. “You don’t happen to know who she’s with, do you?”
Kayden glanced at her, and Elf sighed, pushing the stroller toward the door. “I shouldn’t be telling you this, but someone named Nolan Moree.” She looked over at Kayden, who was laughing so hard she thought he’d fall over when Matty punched him in the arm.
“It’s not that funny,” Matty said and moved out of her quarters as Kayden stepped up beside her, lifting Maranda up in his arms.
“Ready?” he asked, placing a kiss on her daughter’s cheek, making her giggle.
“Let’s go, and you’re going to tell me what is so funny?” she asked as Saxon and Nava met them in the hall with Ana.
Maranda squirmed until Kayden put her down so she could walk with Ana. “Ana, you look so pretty in your dress and hat, just like your momma.”
“Oh my god, you look amazing. I so love the dresses. Now, do tell me what is going on with our dear brother?” Nava asked.
“He found out Storm had a date,” Elf said, looking at Kayden. “And Kayden was going to explain why Storm’s date was so funny?”
“Who?” Saxon asked.
“Nolan Moree,” Kayden said, smiling as Saxon shook his head.
“Now I kind of feel sorry for the man,” Saxon said as both she and Nava looked at each other.
“See, this is what I was talking about,” Elf said, glaring at Kayden. “Spill it now, and so help me, if this guy hurts Storm, I’m going to hurt you both, now tell us.”
“There is nothing to worry about, Storm is with one of the best hunters around. Matter of fact, Matty was just telling us how good today. That he wouldn’t want to come up against him and his brothers.”
“Really, interesting. I can’t wait to meet this man and his brothers,” Elf said, winking at Nava, who nodded.
“Yes, I have to say, I’d like to meet them, too. If they’re this good, they must be something,” Nava said, and both of them waited. Nava mouthed, one, two...
“There is no reason for you two to see these men,” Saxon growled.
Elf laughed. “What? It’s our duty, as sisters, to make sure this man is good enough for our...” Her words died out as two men stepped in front. Both Ana and Maranda came running back to them, hugging their legs.
“Alaster, Cahir, quit scaring everyone, jeez. I told you three you need to work on your manners. Definitely going to have to find all of you a mate,” Darla said, pushing between the two men, followed by Drake and her sisters, Elle and Tara.
“Elf, Nava, these two plus their brother will be guarding this wing for a while. I wanted you all to get to know each other, so they will be escorting all of us to the social. Ana, Maranda, come here, little ones; we have something you need to see,” Darla said, holding out her hands.
Her mom looked stunning in her green summer dress with matching hat and shoes. Her long black hair, just like hers, swirled in ringlets down her back.
Slowly, their little girls moved to their grandma, taking her hand. “Ana, Maranda, these are your guards, but they also bring some animals that you shouldn’t be afraid of. They won’t hurt you when they come out at night. They just go after the bad guys, okay?” her mom said.
“What animals?” Nava asked, frowning.
Drake smiled at the girls as Darla made Alaster and Cahir bend down to meet the girls. “Alaster has been adopted by the beasts of Tuamgraney. I’m afraid they will be here with him at night. So, if you get up at night, do not be afraid of the animals; they will not hurt you. Right?” Drake said, looking at Alaster.
“They will not hurt anyone, but they shouldn’t be played with either.” Alaster glanced at the two girls, smiling. “These animals are trained to hunt the bad guys. They hunt at night, so we can’t bother them when they are working, okay?” he asked.
For a man his size and his scary appearance, Elf had to admit he and his brother both handled the girls as if they had been around children before. Rising, both men bowed to them and stepped aside, allowing them to proceed down the hall.
Nava leaned over. “I have to say, I can’t wait to see the other brother. I can see why Storm would feel safe around him if he’s like his brothers. I guess we are all lucky to have men who can handle themselves.”
“It will be interesting to see how Matty handles himself. I have a feeling if he embarrasses Storm...”
“She’s going to fly in the wind. I, too, am afraid of this,” her mother said, sliding in between both of them as Ana, Maranda, Elle, and Tara skipped in front of them.
“Let’s hope my son uses my advice this time,” Darla growled and looked over her shoulder.
Drake smiled. “It’s got his attention at least.”
Elf glanced at Drake. “You asked him to do this?” Elf questioned, and Nava growled. “Do you know what this will do to Storm’s confidence.” Elf shook her head. “This is not good at all.”
“No, it’s not, because last time I talked to Storm, she already doubted herself.” Nava glared back at Drake as they rounded the corner to a hall Elf hadn’t been down.
“My son needed a push, and believe me, their brother is not being used,” Drake said as Alaster snorted behind him.
“Rest assured, ladies, our brother finds all ladies attractive, and he met Storm before, so she knew who he was,” Cahir said as he moved to the front of the girls. “Little ones, we are getting close to the door to the outside world, please, go to your mommies right now so we can make sure it’s okay?”
All four girls ran toward them, hiding behind them.
Elf sighed. “Great, now they’re going to be scared to go outside.” She glared at the man.
He shrugged. “It’s our job to protect you.” With those words, Cahir and his brother both moved ahead of them, opening the door, letting in the sunshine.
Elf stopped and stared at the door. It was the first time in her life Elf was actually going outside without bars, guards, and guns all around her. A knot formed in her throat and tears filled her eyes as she took a deep breath, she was really free.
Chapter Four
Kayden stepped up to Elf, wrapping his arm around her as she stared at the door. A single tear slid down her cheek, breaking his heart. “Elf?” he asked, wiping away the tear.
“We’re really free, aren’t we?” Elf asked, looking up at him.
“Yea, baby, you’re free,” he said, placing a kiss on her forehead. “You ready to greet our tiny town?”
Darla reached over and took her hand. “We’re all here for you,” she said with tears rolling down her cheeks.
Drake stood behind his wife, rubbing her shoulders as Saxon had his arms wrapped around Nava, knowing how much
this moment meant for both women.
Little hands pushed in between them as Kayden glanced down to see Maranda. “Momma?” she questioned.
“I’m fine, Maranda, just a little bit nervous,” she said, placing her hand on her daughter’s head. “Come, let’s go explore our new home,” Elf said, looking at Darla smiling. “I’ll be okay, just going to take a while to get used to all of this.”
Elf stepped forward, reaching down, taking her daughter’s hand and pushing the baby stroller up the ramp to the opening door that Cahir held for them.
She and her daughter stood out there in the sun. Elf took a deep breath, a smile slowly appearing on her beautiful face as she scanned around her.
Kayden stepped outside when Alaster moved to his side. “We will be staying in town to help find these monsters,” Alaster growled, his brother nodding his head, agreeing with him.
“Thank you, I have a feeling we’re going to need all the help we can get finding the children and others being held. They were too organized, but we hit them hard, and we’re still going through the computers and files that we got with the raid.”
“Twenty-two,” Elf said, glancing back over her shoulder.
“Twenty-two what, baby?” Kayden asked, stepping up to her side.
“Last I heard, they had twenty-two prisons, but that was a year ago. Who knows how many now, but can we forget that for now, please?” Elf asked, looking at him.
“I’m sorry.” Kayden reached over and rubbed her back. “So, what do you think of our fair city?” he asked, nodding to the end of Main Street.
“It’s stunning. I love the red brick road, the flowers on the old fashion lights, but I didn’t realize so many people were coming. And look, everyone has dressed up,” she said to her daughter.
“Look at the hats, Momma,” Maranda said, smiling up at Kayden.
“They’re very pretty, but I like yours and your momma’s hats the best,” Kayden said, lifting Maranda up into his arms as they moved down the sidewalk. Kayden did have to admit, it seemed the whole town was out and about today, dressed in their finest clothes.
“This is my shop,” Darla said, stepping up to Elf’s other side, pointing out her store. “When you are ready, we can come here and go through it to see if you would like anything for your suite. I know I have a nice little bedroom set that would be perfect for Maranda.”
“I’d love to see your business, and the name of it is perfect, ‘Mom’s Things Thrift Store’ is a catchy name. Maybe we can go there tomorrow. Where is Storm’s shop? Do we know how big the offices are that she was talking about?” Elf asked, nodding to the doctor who joined them with her brother Ringo.
“‘Storm’s Creations’ is there across the street. Her business is in the front, the offices we’ll be using will be in the back. Anyone see Storm?” Nava asked, looking around as they were getting closer to the center of the park.
“Music?” Elf asked, smiling.
“Of course, a live jazz band just like the old days. We can dance; there are going to be games for the children, too,” Darla said. “We had many helping, but Lanny is a planner like me, so I know she went way over the top.”
“Which is why we will pay her nicely for all of this, making up for her losing the business she would have had,” Drake said, rubbing her back and kissing her cheek.
“Excuse me, excuse us,” Joseph said, pushing through them almost knocking into Elf, followed by his twin, Jonah.
Nava laughed, and Saxon growled. “You two better cool it before you knock someone over. I swear those boys never learn,” Saxon growled as a couple showed up next to Nava.
“Momma, papa, I’m so glad you could come with us. Darla, Drake, Elf, Kayden, Doc. these are my parents Janita and Jaguar Torres. They showed up a couple of days ago,” Nava said, smiling.
Drake nodded. “It’s an honor to meet you both. I hope you like our city. There are a number of other shadows here. Have you met your grandmother, Calamity Jane, yet?”
“Yes, we met, and I really hate the word grandmother.” Calamity Jane appeared behind them with Flask by her side.
Elf shook her head. “This is so weird. I mean, I’ve seen many shifters, but... Wait, who’s that?” Elf asked, nodding toward Frost and Lacey, who were walking toward them.
Kayden smiled. “Elf, Maranda, I’d like to introduce you to Lacey Adams and Frost. Frost is a Star Ranger, patrols the space, rounding up alien criminals.”
“Again, wow,” Elf said, reaching out and shaking both of their hands. “It’s a pleasure to meet you both.”
“I also run the local animal shelter, and if your little girl would like a puppy, I have a few left,” Lacey said.
“Really? Momma?” Maranda asked, and Elf laughed.
“Not right now, Maranda. We live in your grandparents’ home, sweetie. Maybe when we get our own place.” Elf reached up and squeezed her hand.
“Nonsense, why don’t you let me take her tomorrow. I’ll take all the girls to the farm she runs. I think the children would love a day on the farm,” Darla said.
“Excellent, I’ll even have lunch for everyone. You should see all the different animals I have.” Lacey looked at Elf. “Rest assured, my sisters and I have the farm well protected. Not to mention blue man here,” Lacey said, and Frost grunted.
“We also want to help with finding any others out there. I have a few friends that will come here to help, just let us know,” Frost growled.
“Thank you, both of you. I’m sure the girls would have a ball at the farm...” Elf frowned and turned her head to the left, searching.
“What? Elf?” Kayden asked, looking around.
“I don’t know, it feels like...”
“He’s here, isn’t he?” Maranda buried her face into his neck, wrapping her little arms around his neck tight, her little body shaking.
“Who’s here, Maranda, Elf?” Kayden asked, rubbing Maranda’s back, trying to calm the small little girl.
“I don’t know if he’s here or not, Maranda. But I want you to stay with us. Don’t go off by yourself at all, okay?” Elf said. “Tormac, he’s close, and if he’s close...”
Nava finished the sentence whispering. “Then, the others are here, too?” Nava rubbed her arms, scanning around.
Calamity Jane’s gun appeared in her hand as she cocked it, growling. “How the hell did he get in the town. I thought the posse was scouting?” she asked Flask.
“Believe me, he can get by anyone. Maybe we should just go back?” Elf said.
“NO! You are going to have your party. Alaster, Cahir, where is your brother? I want them close. Let’s move to the square; it will be safer with everyone around,” Drake said. “Maybe we can catch this traitor because I have a feeling that is how they got in again without us knowing. Ringo, Doc, I want you two to account for all of those that we rescued that are still here in town.”
“Nolan will meet us at the square. Sheriff is already there, and Saxon’s men are also waiting,” Alaster said as they headed toward the party.
Kayden was furious. Her first outing and it was ruined. This prick would go down today, but for now, he’d make sure his two women and his little son were safe and having a good time, and they were his. He’d be damn if he allowed anyone to take his family away from him.
He glanced over at Saxon, who nodded, giving him the hand gesture that their team was ready. One thing this suit had was the perfect hiding spots for his weapons.
As they turned the corner, Elf stopped moving. “My god, this is beautiful. Maranda, look, sweetie,” Elf said, reaching up and rubbing her daughter’s arm. “Look at all the pretty flowers, balloons, and they even have a merry-go-round.”
Slowly, Maranda peeked, looking around. “Can we go on it?” she asked, her eyes all big as she watched the other children riding it.
“Come here, Maranda. I’ll take you over while your mommy and Kayden find us somewhere to sit,” Darla said.
“Cahir, you’re with us,” Drake said as Darla took Maranda out of his arms as Saxon called over two of their men, pointing at the girls and Darla.
“How many men do you two have here?” Elf asked as Nava and Saxon moved beside them, as the sound of motorcycles came roaring down the street.
“I told you not to worry, little lady, I knew they’d show up and help out,” Flash said, looking at Calamity Jane before moving to the side of the road as two of the bikers pulled up, Kayden recognizing the president from when Nava had arrived last week.
The president of the Knockers, Landon Comey, was a man that reminded him of Drake. One you really didn’t want to get pissed, and this group had already done that killing their member Flask.
“Impressive and kind of hot,” Elf whispered to Nava, who was also watching.
Kayden growled and leaned down, nipping Elf’s ear. “You don’t need to be looking, you’re taken, my lady.”
“Really? I still don’t understand this mate thing. Maybe you just say that so I don’t scope out the other men,” Elf said, giving him a look that not only had his inner beast ready to claim her right there, but it also wanted to go rip off Landon’s head.
Kayden slid his hand up through her thick, long hair and pulled her head back, staring into her gaze. “Mine,” he snarled right before covering her mouth, showing his lovely mate they belong together.
He slid his tongue into her mouth, tasting her and the coffee that she had earlier. Her hand slid up and around his neck as her tongue danced with his. But all too soon, Elf jerked back when a balloon popped behind them, scaring her. “Easy, baby, it was a balloon,” he told her, placing a quick peck on her lips, releasing her hair.
Magic in His Touch Page 3
