“Not to worry, I’ll be in there holding her up,” Kayden said.
“I don’t think so,” Elf said, glaring at him.
He put Maranda down and stood, stretching before turning to Elf. “Yes, I am. You have three wounds, and you’ve been beaten up pretty good. I’m taking care of you, so get used to it,” he growled, earning giggles from her two little girls.
Chapter Eight
Elf glared at Kayden as he lifted her up and proceeded to move toward her bedroom as Drake and her mother watched the girls. “You can’t do this,” Elf said. “I can take a shower without help.”
“I’m doing it, so stop giving me sass. You are hurt, let me take care of you, Elf. I need to take care of you.” He placed her on the counter in the bathroom, closing the door with his foot. Cupping her face, Kayden lowered his head, placing a soft, quick kiss on her lips. “You’re mine, Elf. I’m not leaving your side again. I have one of my guys bringing some of my stuff here. I’m sorry if this is fast and too much, but when you were taken, it was as if part of me was missing. I can’t and won’t go through that again.” He nipped her bottom lip as he reached down and started to lift what was left of her shirt.
Elf placed her hands on top of his, scared. “My body, we’re not supposed to scar, but... It’s not pretty, Kayden.”
“Angel, look at me.”
Lifting her gaze back up to him, Elf sucked in her breath, seeing the heat in his gaze. “Do you really believe your scars are going to matter to me, Elf? You are my woman, soul, the air I breathe, nothing, and I mean nothing, will ever change that,” he said, slipping off her shirt, careful of her wounds on her arms and stomach.
Elf reached up, crossing her arms over her breasts, hating the way she looked. The whip marks, burns from the prod, and other things they created to hurt them.
Kayden took her hands and brought them to his mouth. “Don’t cover yourself from me, angel. You know what I see?” he asked but continued. “I see a woman in front of me who was brave and survived. One of courage.” He dropped one hand and traced one of many scars on her left breast. “You are beautiful and mine, Elf. Soon, I plan to kiss every single one of your badges of courage, showing you how much you mean to me, but now is not the time,” he said, lowering his head and sucking her nipple into his mouth and releasing it just as quick. “Had to have a quick taste,” Kayden said, looking down at her pants.
“Elf, I’m going to rip these off of you because I don’t want the pants to drag over your leg since it’s the worse wound.” He started at her waist and carefully pulled her pants apart, ripping them down one leg. “Lift up, Elf,” he asked as he pulled the material from underneath her, dropping it to the floor before starting on the other side.
In a matter of five minutes, Elf was naked before him as he started to strip out of his clothes and turning to start the shower. She couldn’t help but stare at the man before her. Never had any man caused such chaos inside her but also made her feel so safe when he was with her, and Elf had never felt safe.
Kayden turned, facing her, and all Elf could do was stare at the man who claimed to be hers. “I feel as if you got the short end of the deal,” Elf said as he lifted her up and stepped into the shower with her, slowly lowering her legs down.
“I don’t want to hear that again, Elf.” Kayden growled and bit down on her shoulder. “You are perfect for me, and I’ll keep telling you this until you believe it.” He reached up and grabbed the bottle of lavender body wash that she loved. “I’m going to really quickly wash you down because Doc is waiting for you.”
Kayden did just what he said. But she knew Kayden was checking each and every mark on her. Every time he’d come to a spot where her body was marked, he’d run his finger over the spot for just a second before moving on.
He picked her up and carried her out of the shower. “You counted them, didn’t you?” she asked as he wrapped the towel around her body.
“You have thirty-two, and believe me, each man will suffer for each mark that was given to you,” he said, his voice almost a whisper, but the anger radiating off of him had her trying to step back, but he held on tight. “Don’t.” He gripped her hips. “I never want you to be afraid of me. Yes, there will be times I’m angry, but know, I will not lay a hand on either you or the children. We are going to argue, but we’ll always go to bed wrapped in each other’s arms because nothing is more important than our lives together.” He scooped her up after putting on his pants and carried her out into the bedroom, where he found her nightshirt, helping her dress.
Without a word, he carried her out into the living room, placing her back on the couch, allowing Doc to do his work as a knock on the outer door had everyone turning to it. Willow and Maranda both running to her, grabbing onto her.
Kayden growled, looking back at the girls then at the door. “We have a lot to accomplish, but we will,” Kayden mumbled as he went to the door.
“Ringo, any word on Storm?” Kayden asked as he stepped aside, allowing her brother in.
“No, Storm is still in surgery, but we went through Porter’s home. He’s been with this group for a while, Dad. He was here collecting information on different packs, groups, and so on. He had lists.” Ringo shook his head. “It’s not good, this organization is larger than we believed. Some of the things they did there...” Ringo looked over to Elf as Doc was wrapping her leg. “I don’t know how you survived, little sis.”
Elf shrugged her shoulders, looking down at the little boy in her arms, her daughters now curled up on the couch with her. “You make do with what you have. When you’ve been a prisoner all your life, take what you can and make do with it.” Elf looked up at Kayden. “That’s why it’s hard to believe all of this is happening, but we take one day at a time, prepare in case it’s all taken away again.”
Her mom sucked in her breath, coming to sit next to them on the couch. She reached over and hugged her. “We will do this together, my daughter. You are part of this family, and we’re not going to allow anyone to take you away from us again.” Darla looked over her shoulder at Drake. “I think it’s time for Magic to disappear for a while ‘til we find out just what we are dealing with.”
Drake stared at Darla then his gaze moved to her and the children. “Ringo, call a meeting. Have the mayor and circle, along with the sheriff. I’m afraid your mother is right. It’s been a while since we’ve had to use this, but too many people are getting hurt. We don’t need any more of our children taken from us again.” Ringo moved toward the door. “Ringo, two hours. It will give us time to get everything together. Kayden, get the girls in their robes; they’ll be staying in the den next to the office so we can make sure they are safe. I’m going to inform Saxon, get him to meet us down there.”
“I’m going to help the girls get ready if it’s okay with you? I know you shouldn’t be moving much,” Darla asked.
“I’d like that. There are robes and slippers in the closet for both girls. Storm made sure Willow had a few things here in case she showed up while she was gone. I really wish we could go to the hospital though,” Elf said, looking up at Kayden as he moved toward her room.
“Sorry, not going to happen. That hospital is in a town we can’t protect. Too many unknowns.” Kayden glanced over at her. “We’ll have regular updates on her, and I know Matty and Alaster’s brother are keeping a close watch on her there.” Kayden moved into her room.
“Kayden, I’m going to need diapers and change of...” she smiled as he came out of the room, carrying a small case, her slippers and robe.
“Got it,” he said. “But I want you to give Malcom to Darla because I’m going to carry you. You don’t need to be walking right now,” Kayden said as Saxon and Nava came into the room with Saxon carrying Nava and Ana holding onto Saxon’s hip.
“We ready?” he asked as Kayden helped her on with her slippers and robe before lifting her into his arms.
“Let’s go.” Kayden placed a kiss on the top o
f her head as the three little girls whispered as they all moved down the hall.
Elf rested her head on Kayden’s chest, so tired. It had been one long day, and she would be glad to put this day behind her and start fresh in the morning.
* * * *
Kayden glanced once more at the door next to the one that lead into Drake’s offices, which were impressive, to say the least, especially to hold over thirty men in there comfortably. The need to go in there and claim his woman was getting almost impossible to control.
“Relax, we have two men inside and men all around; nothing will get to them,” Saxon said, reaching over, squeezing his shoulder.
“It’s not that,” Kayden barely got out, turning toward his friend, hearing the hiss coming from him.
“Go claim your woman; we can handle this,” Saxon said as Kayden glanced toward Drake. So far, they had all agreed it was one more time for the use of the old cloaking device. The original founders of their town found some kind of spaceship that had been hidden in the caves.
Drake turned his head, his gaze meeting his. “Go, claim your woman. You cannot think while your beast is demanding to claim her. Saxon will update you, but nothing will be done fully until tomorrow morning.”
Kayden knew Drake was right, but he had wanted to give her time, but fates had decreed it was time. Nodding to the man that would be his father-in-law, Kayden went to collect his mate. Tonight, his angel would be in his arms, connected body and soul.
The light was dim as Kayden stepped into the family room; the girls were all curled up eating popcorn, watching a movie, while Elf, Nava, and Darla sat in the back of the room. Elf stood and moved toward him.
As if knowing he was in the room, Elf turned her attention toward him and smiled. But Nava’s eyes got big, and she leaned over whispering something into Elf’s ear as he made his way to the woman of his heart.
“Darla, Nava, would mind watching the children for a few hours. I’ll come by and pick them up...” Kayden started to say, but Darla was already shaking her head.
“You go, we’ll bring the children back at ten; that will give the two of you time to be by yourselves.” Darla placed her hand on his arm. “Kayden?”
“I know, Darla, I know. I just wish I could have given her more time. It’s my fault; I can’t control him right now, but I promise to make it up to her every day of my life,” Kayden said, his gaze on Elf’s.
“Kayden,” Elf whispered as he gently lifted her up into his arms, burying his face into her neck, taking in her scent.
“I need you, angel,” he kissed the side of her neck before moving toward the door where Willow met them there.
“We going to our room?” she asked.
“Your grandmother and grandfather will bring you back when the movies are done.” Kayden smiled at the bright-eyed little girl.
Just as Willow was going to say something, Darla came over, swooping Willow up in her arms, causing the child to giggle, which Kayden had a feeling that was rare. “Did you forget about our nail painting? Because I have all the bottles at the table,” Darla winked at them, moving Willow to the small table where Nava sat, giving Kayden the chance to slip out of the room without any interruptions.
What Kayden wasn’t expecting was to see Alaster personally following them. Not one to question orders, Kayden moved toward their rooms but stopped and smiled down at her. “I have an idea.” He lowered her feet to the ground. “Don’t move for a second,” he said and turned to speak with Alaster without those sweet ears of his woman hearing.
Giving Alaster the list, knowing others were watching them that could help with his plan, Kayden turned and wondered how in the hell he had gotten so lucky. Seconds later, Kaden once more had Elf in his arms, heading in the opposite direction of her suite of rooms.
With her head resting on his chest, Elf smiled up at him. “You know, I can walk, and I believe you are heading in the wrong direction.”
“Nope, you will not do anything tonight but enjoy yourself. I promised you I would wait, but I have to break that promise. I’ve only broken two promises in my life, one when I couldn’t save one of our team members when we were in a hot situation, and now this.” Kaden stopped and stared down at Elf. “I’m going to do everything in the world to make this up to you starting tonight.” He leaned down and kissed her full ruby-colored lips. “I have a surprise for you,” he said as torchlights flared to life as he turned down a tunnel he believed Elf hadn’t been in before. Even he had only been down there once, and it had left an impression on him. He only hoped his Elf would be as impressed as he had been.
“This place gets more magical every time I step into a new part of it. It’s almost like one of those amusement parks.” Elf reached out and brushed her fingers against the rock wall.
“And how did you hear about amusement parks?” Kayden asked as he started to push up the tunnel, knowing they were getting closer to their destination. He just hoped Alaster was able to do as he requested, but hearing the soft music in the distance, Kaden knew the man had come through. He’d have to make sure if Alaster ever needed anything, he’d be there for him.
“Explain to me what is happening. Is it something to do with your other form?” she asked. “Even though there were many different people there, we all learned to stay to ourselves. It hurt too much to see those you care about being hurt.”
Kayden took a deep breath, calming his other half when all they wanted to do was go rip someone to pieces. “Among the males of our kind, when we find our fated mates, I’ve come to find out that seeing you hurt or in danger incites the other half of me. Right now, it’s taking everything inside of me to control him so he won’t frighten or hurt you. He, no, we need to put our mark on you, start the bonding process so no one can separate us.” Kaden stopped before he moved around the corner, staring down at her.
“The first time we make love, my seed, my scent will start the bonding process. Our souls will twine together. No matter where you go, I will know where you are as you will know where I am at. We’ll be able to speak to each other in our heads like you do with Nava but more.”
“So, when we were taken...” Elf questioned, and he nodded his head.
“My other side has been demanding we bind ourselves together as soon as I found you.” He rubbed his cheek on the top of her head. “This night is for you, my angel,” he said, placing a kiss on the top of her head before moving around the corner, smiling, hearing her gasp.
“Thank you, Alaster,” he said to the man who was now behind him again.
“We will be out of sight but here if you need us,” Alaster said, stepping back into the dark tunnel as Kayden moved forward before lowering Elf’s legs.
They stood almost on top of the high ridge, a protruding handmade balcony that Drake had put up a railing on. The soft mattress that he had ordered was all set up, with soft-covered throws and pillows. Candles were lit all around them with a bottle of what most likely was one of Drake’s best champagnes from his seller.
“You did all of this for me?” Elf asked, looking around as tears rolled down her cheeks. “No one...” she looked up at him.
“No tears, angel. I hope to everyday give you something, show you the world around us. You and our children.” He turned her around, so she was facing the view in front of them, her back leaning against him. “There is a huge world out there, and we will explore it together one day at a time,” he kissed the side of her neck.
She turned and slid her arms up around his neck, flinching a little. “I’d like that. Show me what it is to love, Kayden.” Elf placed a kiss on his chest.
He reached up and unhooked her arms from around his neck. “Keep your arms down, little angel, we don’t need to open up your wound. Tonight, I will show you how a woman should be loved, but first, let me see you, angel,” he said, reaching, untying her robe and sliding it off her shoulders, throwing it onto the floor by to the mattress.
Elf stood where sh
e was, watching his face. He knew this would be one of the biggest issues for her. “Relax, little angel, you are stunning to me, and that is all that matters.” He reached up and cupped her full breast in his hand, seeing the marks of a whip.
He leaned down; Kayden placed kisses on each mark before sucking her nipple into his mouth. She reached up, grabbing hold of his shoulders as he nipped her nipple before releasing it. “Arms down, little angel.” He kissed and nibbled on her shoulder as he circled behind her.
“Face forward, little angel,” he said, getting control of his other half inside him, seeing the burns, marks on her delicate skin. He knelt down on his knees, licking and placing kisses on every mark of her skin. “I know you don’t like your marks; I would ask you to consider maybe a tattoo back here.”
Elf glanced over her shoulder, smiling at him. “I was actually thinking about having your beast form tattooed back there. I have to admit, I was kind of impressed by what I saw,” she told him, and he growled, reaching around and unbuttoning her nightshirt, sliding it down off her shoulders. She stood there in only a thong she wore.
“You are playing with fire here, my little angel,” he growled again, leaning in and nipping her beautiful, round globe before jumping up and sweeping her up in his arms careful of her leg.
Giving her a quick kiss on the lips, Kayden placed his woman on the center of the bed before stripping out of his shirt and kicking off his tennis shoes. “You look so hot laying there waiting for me.”
“Why am I burning up? I feel as if my blood and body are under attack; what did you do to me?”
Kayden stripped completely and crawled on the bed with Elf, gathering her into his arms, holding her tight. “Hush, Elf, what you are feeling is normal, little angel. The need to be with your partner, lover, and husband is strong in all of us.” He tried to reassure her, seeing she was having trouble understanding the way between mates.
Magic in His Touch Page 6
