Chapter Twelve
Beth curled up on the couch with her head in Edward’s lap and her feet on Rock’s lap. After finally figuring out what Konrad was after, they all agreed to drop the subject and just relax for the rest of the night, but something still just did not seem right. Something was pulling her towards an unknown.
“Stop, Little Witch. Let it go and watch the movie. We’ll figure it out. We’ve already figured out why and soon we’ll place the other pieces together. Plus, I hope you know we are all suffering here watching your choice of movies,” Edward teased pulling on a strand of her hair.
“Oh please, I picked one of my horror movies,” Beth rolled her eyes and nipped at his leg. “I could have picked The Notebook instead, plus Rock likes it.” She looked down at him and he nodded.
“Hush, the good part is coming up.” Rock looked at Edward and he laughed.
“Fine, but I get to pick the next movie,” Edward winked at her as Lucas came into the room carrying popcorn while Dred handed him a beer. “Beth, do you want something to drink with that popcorn?” Edward asked as she sat up and took the bowl from Lucas.
“Hmm, oh a soda would be great.” She scooted closer to Rock all the while her eyes on the screen.
“I swear she has seen this movie so many times, you’d think she’d hate it, but look at her?” Lucas laughed and sat down on the floor, leaning against the sofa. Dred placed her pop on the table knowing in a few minutes Beth would be jumping when the crazed man jumped out.
“You know I can hear you, right? And I can’t help… shit!” Beth jumped, but thankfully Rock had grabbed the popcorn from her before it could go all over. “My hero,” she leaned over and kissed his cheek, taking the bowl back, and glancing around the room.
Lucas, Dred and Edward all just smiled and shook their heads. “What? I like scary movies. I can’t help it if I jump even when I know what’s going to happen. Plus, it’s a good reason to cuddle.” She wiggled her butt closer to Rock and rested her head on his chest as he wrapped his arm around her.
“Lucas, why couldn’t you break the blood bond between your brother and me, but yet you can with Avril?” She looked over at him.
“Easy, Avril isn’t like my brother and me. As you know, there are only a few of my kind left. Our kind has joined other races around the galaxies for the last few centuries. The gifts and powers slowly diminish as the bloodlines are intertwined. But maybe that’s a good thing. Look at my brother, his gifts are now used against those that are helpless as to where the rest of us try to use them to help.” Lucas stretched out his legs in front of him and she sighed.
“Just because one of your kind is bad, it doesn’t mean the rest of your kind are responsible. There are many in my world that would kill without a thought. We find them and put them away where they won’t hurt again. All through time men, and even other species I believe, have been trying to keep peace, but there will always be those who believe they deserve more.” Beth stuffed a piece of popcorn into her mouth.
“You are right, but it still does not sit well with those of us who are related to said person.” Lucas flinched. “Sorry, My Heart, I didn’t mean to bring up bad memories.”
She shrugged. “I guess you and I will always have that in common.” Beth frowned and sat up. “Edward, if the castle is being shut down, what about my nephew and aunts? I can’t just leave them there. They could get hurt.”
“It’s been taken care of. Mom has taken them to her parents’ house in the land of the Fae. Your nephew was very excited.” Edward laughed. “When this is all settled down, we’ll bring him here.”
She cocked her head to the side. “Something isn’t right. I feel as if someone is trying to reach me, but can’t.” Her head was starting to hurt. Beth leaned over Rock and placed the bowl of popcorn on the table. “I’ve got a headache coming on. I think I’ll go to bed.” She stood and the room spun. “Lucas, are you sure the ties were broken?” Beth grasped at Rock’s knee trying to hold herself up.
“What’s wrong?” Both Lucas and Edward were holding onto her while Dred looked at her, worried. “Allow me to see what is going on, My Heart. Maybe I can help?” Lucas asked. Right now Beth didn’t care if he was in her head if he’d stop the damn drumming in her head.
“Please, it’s like someone is taking a hammer to the inside of my skull,” she groaned and grabbed the side of her head. In a matter of minutes, the pressure eased off to where Beth could breathe. Lucas was still in her head, searching and reducing the pounding as he worked till it was finally gone. “Thank you, Lucas. Don’t know how much more I could have taken of that. What was it?” she glanced up at him and stepped back.
He was furious, his fangs had lengthened and the shadow was back in full. “Avril,” he hissed. “I’ll be back.” With that short sentence, Lucas disappeared. The air in her lungs vanished with him.
“He can’t be.” Her legs gave out and she would have fallen if Edward hadn’t been there and scooped her up. “I thought he was my friend,” Beth whispered, clinging to Edward as he sat down on the couch next to Rock. Dred knelt in front of her, rubbing her feet while Rock and Edward surrounded her with their arms. Whispering words of love and promises, but right then none of it mattered.
It was the second time a close friend had betrayed her. Her judgment in people was lacking. She had placed everyone in danger, allowing her big heart to spare Avril the wrath of Edward. All the pieces were there. Why he sabotaged her wedding, the only time he came to the house was when she had been with him. He was the one that had led her to the special vault below in the castle. What else had Beth handed him without knowing?
“So sorry. All those people that were hurt… it’s my fault.” She shook, getting angrier by the minute. She tore away from the three of them. “What a fucking fool! I can’t believe I did this twice! God, you must think I’m a complete idiot!” Beth yelled and glared at her men.
“Well, not to worry. It might have taken two times, but I’ll be damned if I allow anyone to get that close again.” Beth snarled, needing air she ran out of the room and headed to the porch. She flung open the door and stepped outside. Looking up at the skies with tears rolling down her cheeks, Beth cried to the sky. “You were right Daddy. I do need a keeper. My judgment sucks, I’m useless!”
“Stop it now!” Edward snarled behind her.
She spun around and glared at Edward. Dred held Rock in his arms as they all stood there glaring at her. “Lucas was right. Some of us shouldn’t have the gifts we have, including me. Hell, even Avril was right in some ways.” She sat down on the ground and curled her legs up to her, hugging them. “You should have a stronger woman next to you. One who has the sixth sense about people.” She rubbed her cheek against her knee. “All I am is a vessel containing these powers or gifts for someone to use, along with my body. But even that is far from perfect.”
A growl was her only warning before Edward lifted her up by her arms and threw her over his shoulder, stomping back into the house. “Not another word out of you!” He snapped as Dred and Rock followed him into a large master bedroom she hadn’t seen before. Tossing her onto the bed, Edward glared down at her. “Get under the covers and sleep, but be warned, Little Witch, if I ever hear such nonsense come out of your mouth again, I’ll turn you over my knee and spank you till you can’t sit for a week.” He leaned over her, his nose inches from hers.
“I would have no other. You are my queen. Your heart is big and generous. You were meant to be ours. You’re the light to our darkness and demanding personalities. You balance us, keep us alive. Never forget that, Little Witch, because without you Lucas and I would be what Konrad is. That is what Lucas’ brother is searching for, a way back into the light, your light, and he can’t have you.”
* * *
He was furious. Edward stood at the door and watched as their woman curled up in the big bed, tears rolling down her cheek. “I’ll stay with her,” Rock nodded to the bed and his brother half carried him to the
bed and helped him strip. Slowly, Rock got under the covers and pulled Beth into his body, spooning her tight.
“He can calm her,” Dred stated as they both watched her turn over and wrap herself around his body.
Edward spun around, heading for the porch. The cool air would sooth the burning in his gut. “I should have known something wasn’t right. Avril had never done anything like that before Beth came into the picture. She is not the only one feeling like a fool right now.” Edward snapped and paced back and forth of the deck.
“Avril’s gone along with his things. His family does not know where he is and it seems he also set up his own father to be killed. His brothers are furious and are searching for him. But it also seems Avril has a weakness,” Lucas stated. Appearing on the porch, his shadow pulled back a little allowing Lucas to think.
“Seems my brother isn’t the only one who has an obsession with our woman. Avril’s quarters were covered with pictures of our woman, even pictures of her in the shower,” he snarled. “That little weasel watched her take a bath and us making love to her.” Lucas looked at him. “How is Beth?”
“I put her to bed, Rock is with her.” Edward punched the side of house. “That asshole has her doubting herself. She thinks we deserve better than her. All that work to boost her confidence is gone,” Edward snarled. “One minute alone with that asshole.”
“We’ve weeded out one of the moles, but in the process, once more a so-called close friend to her is gone,” Lucas glanced at Edward. “While I was there I spoke with Lancelot. He allowed me to run through his head and take his blood.”
Edward nodded. “Good choice. He always watches out for her. When will he be here?”
“I’m here now and I have the kitchen loaded with everything she likes. Another thing you might want to think of is maybe allowing her to take one of the orphans. Beth couldn’t stop talking about bringing one of them into your home. And my King?” Lancelot drew his attention in the doorway. “I’ll always place her life in front of mine. The first day at the castle your woman introduced herself to me, I could tell she was frightened, but she was bound to make sure your meals were perfect.”
“Thank you, Lancelot. You might be right. Oh, I don’t know if you are aware, but Beth was looking forward to doing some cooking too.” Edward informed the cook and he laughed.
“I’ve been waiting for her to ask, but she is a shy thing and does not want to step on anyone’s toes. I’ll make sure to include her in the cooking. I’ll say good-night now and get my new room in order.” The man bowed his head to them and turned to leave.
“He’s right about the children. They’re at the safe house now. I think tomorrow we should pay it a visit without anyone knowing we’re coming,” Dred said. “I’d also like to bring Claire and her family here. We can always send others in their place.” Dred stated.
“Edward, what do you think?” Lucas asked.
“Dred is right. Tomorrow we need to take Beth to the safe house. We have Lancelot in the downstairs quarters. We’re going to start needing other housing if we are going to bring others onto this place. Dred, are you sure your sister would want to settle here? Once here, we can’t have her go back until things are settled. What about her men? She is mated to three men. Would they be able to be away from their family for however long it’s going to take us to get rid of this threat?” Edward paced back and forth. “But it would be good to have others in council when things come up,” he stopped and looked at the door to see Beth there.
“I’m sorry about earlier, Edward,” she whispered.
“Come here, Little Witch.” Edward opened his arms and Beth ran into them, holding him tight. Even though she didn’t like to admit it, she never believed in herself strong enough to make a decision on her own. “It seems all of us have been made a fool, Beth, not just you. But never let the others dim that light we all so love. It would give men like Avril and Konrad great pleasure to know they’d hurt you.”
“I’m glad we’re here right now. I don’t think I could trust myself now, Edward. I know I was used, but by two of my friends.” She shook her head. “It’s going to be hard to open up to anyone.” She peeked around his chest to look at Lucas. “Did you get the asshole?”
“No, he was gone, My Heart, but not to worry, we’ll find him soon.” Lucas stepped up next to him and kissed the top of her head. “Now go back to bed. We’ll be there in a minute.”
She nodded and turned to look at Dred, who held out his arms. “Come, give me a kiss.”
Not waiting for a second, Beth ran to him, wrapping her arms around his neck and kissing him. “I love you guys more than anything,” she said before releasing Dred and going back to their room.
“Dred, go with Lucas and speak with your sister’s mates. If they agree, and they all pass Lucas’ scan, we’ll bring them tomorrow.” Edward turned to Lucas and he nodded.
“There are two other housing units here below ours. One would be perfect for your sister. I won’t test them tonight. We’ll wait till they decide, that way I’ll know if they contacted anyone else while deciding,” Lucas said looking at Dred.
“I understand. I really don’t think they’ll betray us, but we’re getting close and can’t risk anything,” he sneered “My parents will be furious, but right now they are the least of our problems. I’ll deal with them later. Let’s go. I want this done so we can all rest. Tomorrow will be a big day for all of us,” Dred said, putting his hand on Lucas’ shoulder and disappeared with Lucas.
Dred was right. Tomorrow would be a big day for their family. The decision to bring a child into their life now wasn’t great timing with all the danger around them, it also felt right.
Edward entered the home, shutting the door. Their lives were a mess, but yet each of them had formed the bonds of a family unit. Yes, even Lucas was settling down, becoming the husband their woman needed and partner to each of them.
Lights turned off as Edward made his way to their room. The peace and quiet was different. In the castle there had always been something going on. In some way this was much more freeing. Edward could relax and not worry about others for a change. He stood in the doorway for a minute just watching as Beth and Rock talked and cuddled together. In the last year, Edward finally realized nothing had mattered but her. He could deal with all the decisions and problems that came with the title, but in the end having her there to wrap his arms around and hold was all that mattered.
His father had been right. The right woman at his side was all that mattered even if the world around them fell apart. As long as he had her love, they could go on.
“Are you going to stand there all night or come to bed?” Beth asked with a little grin on her face and her hand held out, waiting for him.
“I was just remembering something my father told me long ago. I hate to admit it to him, but he was right, because I’ll never hear the end of it, but in this one case he was dead on.” Edward undressed quickly, his clothes falling to the floor. He crawled onto the bed next to her.
“What did he say?” Beth asked as he picked her up and laid her on top of him as he slid in next to Rock.
Edward buried his face into the crook of her neck and took a deep breath. Her scent alone could calm him as he relaxed. All the muscles in his body slowly unwound. “My father told me when I was young that when I found the right woman, nothing else would matter. The world could fall apart and nothing would matter as long as you and our family was beside me. I could fight anyone as long as I know you’ll be there at the end of the day.”
“Oh, Edward.” She kissed his shoulder and held him tight. “I love you, but you’re not fighting anyone without me,” she murmured and he grinned.
Their Little Witch might believe she’s helping, but each one of them knew not to place her in harm’s way. They would be lost if anything happened to her. And the thought of Avril working for Konrad just made his blood boil.
Chapter Thirteen
Beth stretched and frowned. It wa
s the first time in a long time she had woken up alone in a bed. Hell, Beth didn’t even know what time it was. There were no clocks around, nothing on the walls which was something she would have to change. Besides, she’d want to add her personal touches to their new home. The last Beth remembered was Lucas and Dred coming into bed and her mumbling as Lucas picked her up and held her most of the night. She stared up at the ceiling and took a deep breath. Edward had been right, not only had she been fooled, but all of them had been deceived by Avril, but it still hurt to know that the one who had given her away hated her so much.
The door creaked and she looked down to see Rock standing at the foot of the bed. “Morning beautiful. You ready to get up? We have much to do this day,” Rock said coming over to sit on the end of the bed and pulling her into his lap, hugging her tight.
“Stay away! I have to brush my teeth first,” she laughed and kissed his cheek before scooting off of him and looking around the room. “Bathroom?”
Rock laughed and pointed to the door to the right. “It’s just a small one. The main one is off of the playroom. I know it should be the other way around, but that’s the way it is. Oh, and get dressed. We are going somewhere. Jeans and a sweater will be fine,” Rock said, starting to walk out of the room. “We’re all in the kitchen.”
Stepping into the bathroom, Beth moaned at the image in the mirror. Her eyes were all swollen from crying and her hair was sticking up all over the place. On the counter she saw her toothbrush and toothpaste. After brushing her teeth, Beth splashed cold water on her face before starting to run a brush through her hair. Something was up, it was obvious they were trying to surprise her, but right now all she wanted was to go exploring. Enjoy the quiet. Braiding her hair, Beth clothed herself in her favorite jeans and sweater following Rock’s instructions. With a quick glance in the mirror, Beth knew it wouldn’t get any better.
Training a Wife Page 11