In the Beginning

by Marks, Teir

  He had known by the look in Grae’s eyes when he had approached him that there was something, he wanted to speak to him about. Just the two of them. It seemed that Leiha had been able to read the same look when she’d looked at him because she suggested that she and Korrae should talk to some of the other guests.

  Ashton was never one to get jealous of any of his siblings, but he would be lying if he said he didn’t wish the way Maleiha understood Grae, seemed to be able to read him, have a conversation with him from just looking at him, was something he and Korrae had as well. Though he knew it would take time for them, it amazed him how quickly his brother and Leiha fell into it. He was sure it had something to do with her being a bit more open than Korrae.

  He was listening to his older brother tell him about the conversation he’d just had with Billy. Or, moreover, what Grae had simply listened to. Honestly, Ashton still wondered why they didn’t just put themselves out of the misery of dealing with him and place him twelve feet under somewhere. He could only assume it was out of the tolerance they had for Doss.

  When Grae finished, Ashton rubbed his chin, propping his foot up on the wall behind him.

  “Where’s the lie?” He questioned, sliding his eyes over to meet Grae’s. “I mean, honestly, yeah. Synn is the oldest, and he’s head of the family, but being the head of something and being in charge are two different things.”

  His brother said nothing. Just continued to stare at him, and Ashton could see how that shit would creep someone outside of their family out. However, he hadn’t expected the older man to say anything. This topic…was a sore one for Grae. That wasn’t a secret to Ashton.

  Their entire family dynamic was about respecting the hierarchy of things. It was the way it was when their father was in charge, and it was the way they had tried to keep it when he and the other elders in their family moved aside. However, sometimes, age did not always make you the best choice for being in charge.

  That wasn’t to say that Synn wasn’t capable of the job, because he was. His eldest brother was meticulous, cunning. He was also brash at times. Not to the point that he would do something that would jeopardize them all, but he did have his moments. Ashton had dubbed them “Kylen Moments.”

  Grae, on the other hand, had far more patience than Synn did and ever would. Ashton would be willing to bet that it could almost rival his own. However, there was that issue of when his patience had finally worn thin or something, someone he cared about was threatened, and that monster that lived in him came to the forefront. However, in Ashton’s opinion, if you ever saw that side of Grae, then you damn well deserved it.

  “It’s not.” His brother finally spoke, turning his attention back over the crowd — more than likely looking for Leiha.

  Ashton rolled his eyes. They both knew that it was, and Grae was being stubborn. Usually, he would let it go. Not push it, not purposely try to piss his brother off or make him uncomfortable. He wasn’t going to do that tonight. He had nothing against his eldest brother leading the family, but hell, he was sure even Synn knew that he was not at all one hundred percent “in charge.”

  “It is.” Ashton retorted, and he knew Grae had expected him to drop it like every other time. “Look at this way, since Billy brought up chess pieces. The King in chess may be the head of each side, the most important piece, but the Queen is the most powerful piece and is in charge of the safety of the King if the other pieces fail. Think about it in that sense.”

  His brother snorted. “Did you just call me Synn’s Queen? I’m pretty sure that’s supposed to be Nyela’s realm.”

  Ashton chuckled. He knew his brother was deflecting, but he supposed he had said what he needed to and would let it go for the time being.

  He was just about to suggest that they go and join their women when he saw three men approach them. He pushed himself off the wall, but Grae’s hand on his shoulder halted him.

  “Wait.” His brother spoke.

  “And if something happens?” His brother said nothing. “You have way too much confidence in the fact that people here won’t let their stupidity rule them. Regardless of whether or not we’re in the room.”

  “No,” Grae stated, allowing his hand to fall from Ashton’s shoulder. “I have confidence in Maleiha.”

  With that, Ashton leaned back against the wall. Watching, preparing to intervene if he needed too, but he would take a page out of Grae’s book and have a little confidence as well. He knew he couldn’t always be a helicopter protector, and he figured now would be an excellent time to take baby steps.

  Maleiha felt Korrae stiffen beside her and looped her arm through hers. They had been speaking to two other women in attendance a few minutes ago but had been standing by themselves when she saw the three men approaching them. She knew the younger woman had seen them as well when she stiffened.

  It wasn’t but a few seconds and the three were stopping in front of them. They were all taller than she was. The shortest of the bunch, being just an inch or so taller than Korrae. For a moment, they all remained quiet until the tallest one spoke. He seemed to be of Asian descent.

  “What are you two beautiful ladies doing standing here alone?”

  Maleiha cocked a brow at him. “If we’re standing together, does that actually make us alone?”

  He smirked at her. “I suppose not. Would you and your…”

  “Sister.” Maleiha supplied, and he gave her a look that told her he knew a secret she didn’t.

  “Sister, like to go to the bar with us and grab a drink?”

  She contemplated it for a moment but figured the bar would actually be a safe place for them to be with them. She knew where they had left Grae and Ashton, and she also knew where Emery was at that moment. Both positions being close enough to the bar if something were to happen.

  “Sure.” She responded, and they stepped aside, allowing the two women to lead the way.

  Maleiha could feel the hesitancy in every step Korrae took, but really, she didn’t feel they had that much of a need to be afraid though it was second nature to fear the unknown. She felt as if they should hide it. Or in the other woman’s case, hide it better. When a person discovered you were afraid of them, their affiliation, or simply something about them, they used it to their advantage. Fear allowed people to control you, and Grae had told her once to use her fear as control. Not too allow it control.

  Once they had reached the bar, Maleiha ordered two drinks. One for herself and the other for Korrae, though she had no intentions of either one of them drinking them.

  Doss had seemed like an okay person, from what she had seen, but still, her boyfriend had told her that they would be taking no chances, and that meant not eating or drinking anything at the party.

  “So, what're your names?” Maleiha questioned as they waited on their drinks.

  “I’m Zander. This is Eli and Wayne.” He responded, pointing to the other two men.

  “I take it the two of you are the quiet type.” She then stated. When they didn’t respond, she mumbled, “Of course.”

  “And what’s your name?” Zander questioned. Again, with that look as if he knew a secret and it made her think he already knew her name.

  “I’m Mal.” She opted. Giving him the nickname that her mother liked to use. “This is Rae.” She then introduced Korrae, who was quiet and, she was sure, looking for an excuse for them to escape.

  “Well, Mal. Would you care to dance with me?”

  That would be a bad idea. A very bad idea. She was all too aware of that fact. She also didn’t want to leave Korrae with the other two men by herself. She was afraid the other woman would have a nervous breakdown of sorts though Maleiha felt that she would have to toughen up if she planned on staying with Ashton. Not like he’d actually give her the option of leaving.

  Her first instinct was to turn down his proposal, but this man intrigued her. Not in the way a man usually did when a woman found them attractive, but in a way that made her curious as to what he se
emed to be hiding, yet showing at the same time.

  She knew it was a perfected game of push and pull. Lure and lull, and it would be crazy for her to fall into it. For her to take the bait willingly, but that was exactly what she was going to do. She knew that Grae was watching them. She had no doubt about it, and she always felt safe whenever she was with him. Whenever they were in the same vicinity, Maleiha knew that there was no way he would let anything happen to her.

  She turned her attention to Korrae. “Why don’t you go find our baby sister and make sure she’s alright.” She told her. Just as a way to have an excuse for her to leave, but also to send her in the opposite direction of Grae and Ashton. Not entirely wanting the other men to know where they were if they hadn’t figured it out yet. So, she sent her to Larkin and Emery. She then turned her attention back to Zander. “Let’s take to the dance floor.”

  Maleiha turned and headed to the designated dancing area where other people were dancing. The song that was on wasn’t slow by any means; however, it also wasn’t fast. So, she felt that it would be a suitable tempo. She neglected to take into account that song could end at any moment, as it did, and a slower one would come on.

  She paused for a moment, knowing all too well that Grae would kill this man for touching her. Though if he turned out to be a creep or a threat, she figured it wouldn’t be such a bad thing.

  Exhaling silently, Maleiha left an ample amount of space between them as her hands went up to his shoulders. His coming down to her waist. He smirked at her.

  “I don’t bite, you know.”

  “No, I don’t know.” She responded as she scrunched her nose a bit.

  One of his hands came up to his shoulder to grasp her hand in his, keeping the other on her waist as they began to sway. He leaned down and placed his lips by her ear as her eyes roamed over to Grae, who was watching them intently.

  “Pruitt was right. You are adorable. Though my boss is seldom wrong.”

  Maleiha’s eyes widen a bit, and she saw Grae push off the wall. She shook her head slightly, and he stopped, though she could tell he didn’t want too. She pulled back a bit as he stood up straight before pulling her in a bit closer.

  “I knew there was something reptilian about you.” She told him.

  “Reptilian, huh?”

  “Yes, but not even a snake can hide forever.”

  He chuckled. “I outright told you. So, who said I was hiding?”

  “You know if you try anything…”

  “Your boyfriend will kill me. I’m very much aware.” He told her, and he was far too calm for her liking.

  “Then what do you want?”

  “The same thing the Amato siblings want. To get rid of Pruitt.”

  She didn’t believe him. “Why?”

  “It’s tiresome being his lieutenant.”

  “Bullshit.” She responded, and he chuckled.

  “Okay, then. I have an end goal. The same as your boyfriend and his siblings. Why get my hands dirty when it can be done for me?”

  “You want to use them?” She questioned.

  It sounded foolish to her. She was no criminal mastermind. Would never claim to be one. However, even she knew that pretty much stating that you wanted to use a powerful criminal organization to do your bidding was suicide. Even if you wouldn’t admit that it was what you were aiming for.

  “Yes,” Zander admitted readily, and she was shocked by the admission. “Getting rid of him myself may put a target on my back that I don’t want. If they do it for me, I’m home free.”

  “Unless he’s stupid, he’ll know you turned on him.”

  “That won’t matter if he’s dead.”

  “Ah, I see. You don’t believe in your own capability to take care of him yourself. You’re scared you’ll screw up, and he’ll come after you. That’s a little pathetic, isn’t it?”

  Zander glared down at her, and Maleiha knew she’d hit a button. His arm wrapped around her waist, and he pulled her harshly against his body. Though he didn’t speak on what she’d just said, instead, he responded, “If you help me make my capture look convincing, he’ll never know. And, again, it won’t matter once he’s dead.”

  “There’s a problem with you’re plan.” She told him.

  “Oh? Enlighten me as to what that is?”

  “I don’t trust you.”

  He smirked at her. “I didn’t think you would be so naïve as too. If I wanted naïve, I would have had this conversation with your sister. What I needed was someone who would listen, be cautious, and stop them from killing me before I could give them information.” He paused a moment. “Synn’s girlfriend is as stubborn as he is, and she doesn’t listen well. She probably would have killed me by now. Emery’s girlfriend, while not as naïve as Ashton’s, is still naïve and would have simply taken a little more convincing but would have trusted my words alone after a moment. Kylen’s girlfriend, well, the little psycho doesn’t let her out of his sight, and she’s so terrified of people she would have never held a conversation with me. So, that left you.”

  Maleiha wanted to question how he seemed to know about them but decided he got his information the way most criminals did.

  “So, let me guess. I’m not naïve, but gullible enough to think you may be worth trusting. Is that what you thought?”

  “No, I knew you wouldn’t trust me, but even if you were naïve or gullible, you had the most important quality.”

  “Which is?”

  He turned to look over his shoulder at Grae before bringing his attention back to her. “You can actually control your monster.”

  Maleiha narrowed her eyes at him. “He isn’t a monster.” Well, he wasn’t to her. Other people were a different story, but she’d be damned if she allowed him to call Grae one.

  “If you say so.” He leaned in, lips a few centimeters from hers, and she tried to lean back, but his grip on her was tight and didn’t quite allow for it. “Now, Maleiha. Let’s convince my two friends that I was taken against my will.”

  “Oh, but you will be.” She told him.

  Maleiha brought her knee up and kneed him in the testicles. His grip on her went slack, and she punched him in the chest, sending him backward into Grae’s grasp. She watched as her boyfriend wrapped his arm around Zander’s neck, cutting off his airflow, while Ashton told people there was nothing to see there. His eyes on her the entire time.

  Grae sat in the backseat of the car as the driver made his way to one of their safe houses. Zander, as he had learned, was safely tucked into the trunk of Ashton and Korrae’s car. He knew that if he were to put him in the trunk of the car he and his little beauty were in, he would be far too tempted to have the driver pull over so he could kill him before they even made it to their destination.

  He was pissed. The bastard had touched his woman. Though he knew it had possibly yielded information they could use. It had still happened, and she was not innocent in the matter. Which was why he currently had his hands on her waist, her dress hiked up as he bounced her punishingly on his dick.

  It had been a while since he fucked in a car, and though the partition was up, there was no way in hell his driver didn’t know what was going on from all of the moans and groans echoing throughout the vehicle.

  “What the fuck were you thinking, letting him touch you?” He questioned through gritted teeth. Thrusting up to meet her each time he pulled her down.

  Was he actually mad about him touching her? Fuck yes. Angry enough to blame it on her? No. He knew the touches had not at all been sexual on her end, and he also knew she had only entertained him to help them find more information. But damn if angry sex wasn’t one of the best pleasures in life. So, he held on to whatever anger he needed to.

  Her face was buried in her neck, and she groaned as he gave her a particularly hard thrust to punctuate the question.

  “I’m sorry, Daddy.” She moaned out, and Grae wondered if his girlfriend could be more perfect?

  He continued to fuck her, movi
ng his hands down to grip her ass.

  Grae felt her begin to suck on his neck, and he wanted her to do it harder. To bite him. Mark him, because he had no issue with her claiming ownership over his flesh, his body, his soul, his heart, all of him. As if reading his mind, Maleiha bit down on his neck, her pussy tightening as she came. It was the third time he’d made her come since they’d gotten into the car.

  It was a while before he noticed that the car had stopped moving. Well, it had stopped traveling forward, but it was definitely still moving, rocking back and forth, moving up and down as he fucked into her.

  “Baby, I need you to come.” Maleiha groaned into his neck.

  He smacked her ass. “Not yet.”

  “But…shit…I think we’re here.”

  “I said not yet.”

  “Daddy, please. I’m going to be sore.”

  “Whose fault is that?” He countered. Though he had to admit, her begging always did something to him. She pulled her face out of his neck to glare at him. He smirked in return. “Make me come then.”

  He released her ass and allowed her to bounce up and down on her own as she rotated her hips, her pussy tightening around him. Grae loved it when she did that. Put together a combination that was guaranteed to have him coming, even when he didn’t want to.

  She continued to ride him like that, and he began to feel his balls tighten. He was almost there, right on the edge of exploding when she stopped. She slid off of him, leaning over to take him into her mouth, and Grae fought the urge to grip her hair and harshly fuck her throat, though he put it on the to-do list for when they were back at home later.

  Maleiha began to massage his balls, and right as he came, she took him down as far as she could, and he shot ropes of come into her throat. His previous question was answered. Yes, she could be.

  She pulled off of his dick with a slight pop, and Grae watched her swallow. His blue eyes turning a darker shade. He watched her lick her lips and damn near forgot they needed to get out of the car.