by Cree Storm
Timmy placed his hand over one of Blossom's ears whispering, "Shh, she doesn't like to be called that. Her name is Blossom."
"Can someone please get Spike before he shoots my balls off?" Flyer hissed.
York walked over and went to pick up Spike, but the porcupine began to hiss and lifted his ass as if he was about to strike out.
"Stop! Just stop!" Flyer yelled in a panic.
York shook his head. "I just don't get it. Spike is typically a really tame animal."
Timmy walked to where York stood and handed him Blossom. Timmy then bent and picked up Spike. "Bad, Spike. You're scaring these nice people and you know better than to threaten my mate. Now stop making a fool of yourself. We need to get Blossom home."
"York, why don't you take Timmy and his friends home. Can you tell Juddah to have the men gather in about two hours?" Suneth asked.
York looked at the men standing in the middle of the shop, asking, "Is everything alright, Suneth?"
"Everything is fine, York. These are some of Wade's friends. I promise there is no threat. I just need to talk with the men," Suneth replied.
"Sunny, why are you're cheeks so red? Are you getting sick?" Timmy asked.
Wade and his men snickered along with York, but Suneth just smiled at Timmy, saying, "I’m doing fine, Timmy. You know shifters don't get sick. However, Wade and I worked some things out―"
"I'd say," the man with the man bun replied laughing even harder.
Timmy smiled up at Suneth. "I'm glad you're doing better, Sunny. I'm sorry that Spike interrupted your visit."
Suneth smiled at Timmy. He knew that as King he shouldn't have favorites. He cared about each of his family members, but when it came to Timmy, no matter how angry or sad he might be, just being in the same room as his little gargoyle made everything brighter. Timmy's innocence was something that Suneth vowed his tiny Chimera member would always maintain, and with Timmy’s dragon mate, York, by his side, Suneth had a feeling that wouldn't be a problem.
York doted on Timmy. There was nothing that Timmy wanted for, because York was always doing for his mate. Hell, they had their own petting zoo at their home right now. Suneth couldn't help but give a short laugh thinking about the Alpaca that had been delivered there not so long ago, as well as the pigs, goats, turtles, rabbits, miniature pony, a dog the size of a miniature pony―hell, the list went on and on.
"Congratulations on your mating, Sunny," Timmy said waving goodbye.
An unaccustomed feeling came over Suneth as Wade stood there with his friends watching Timmy and York leave―fear. What if Wade's men didn't accept him? Would Wade change his mind about their mating?
One was a blond with long hair he kept in a man bun and the other an African American with a short buzz cut. They both snarled as Suneth drew closer. Suneth drew up, shoulders back, hissing, "You will stand your ground with me, whelps, or I will slit both your throats without a backwards glance. You may be tough as shit out in the human world, but I am Suneth, leader of the Gargoyle Chimera and I will be treated with the respect I have earned."
Both men looked at Wade and then back to Suneth. Wade looked pissed, and Suneth sighed. Shit, Suneth really knew how to make a first impression. He just hoped his outburst didn't cost him his mate.
CHAPTER 5
Suneth didn't give Wade a chance to say a word, instead quickly continuing, "Wade is my mate. I am not now or ever going to hurt him. I know Wade is your commander and I have no intention of trying to take over his life or yours. I was hoping we could meet and be friends and hopefully, family."
Wade had been pissed when he heard Bullseye and Shadow growl at Suneth. Pride filled him when his mate immediately jumped in and put the men in place. Yes, Shadow and Bullseye were his men, but they were also shifters and that meant there was a hierarchy to be followed there as well. Wade knew it and understood why his mate had to stand firm with the two. He had to show the rest that Suneth was his and would be treated with the respect he deserved.
Turning to Suneth, he saw a quick look of unease and if Wade was not mistaken, fear as well. Wade smiled at Suneth, giving him reassurance that all was well. Wade turned back to his men, saying, "Suneth, I would like you to meet my team. You already met Bullseye and Shadow, so let me introduce you to Six, Flyer, and Snake. You already know my baby brother, Rory, but everyone else here calls him Radar."
"It's nice to meet you. If there is anything you need, please let me or one of my men know. We will do what we can to make your stay in Crystal a pleasant one," Suneth stated with a slight nod.
"Food. Food would be a really good plan about now. Six refused to stop to piss or eat on our way out of the airport," Flyer complained.
"That's because you thought it would be funny to flip us upside down before landing, fucker," Six snapped back.
Flyer laughed. "Oh, so it was you that pissed yourself in my plane."
"Oh, ha ha, asshole," Six replied back.
Bullseye rolled his eyes. "Why don't you two just fuck and get it over with?"
Flyer scoffed, "Because I'd be afraid Six would puke when the bed started rocking."
"Shit, more like you’re scared my cock would get stuck up that tiny tight ass of yours," Six shot back.
"Okay you two, knock it off. We have some serious shit to talk about and if what I'm thinking is right, it needs to be done PDQ," Wade stated firmly.
Suneth leaned closer looking confused. "PDQ?"
"Pretty damn quick," Wade answered.
"Why don't we go to Twixie's? You guys can get something to eat there and talk," Suneth suggested.
Wade sighed. "What we have to talk about is not for just anyone's ears, little man."
Suneth smiled. "That's what makes Twixie's the best place for your conversation. Wade, you are a councilmember, or you will be when you accept. Twix built that side room for just these occasions. The room is soundproof and no one goes in there without top clearance from us. From what Justice explained, they wanted to have a place they could fill their bellies and then use their minds."
Wade smirked. "Never thought I would ever walk in that area of Twix's. Thinking about it, I never did hear anything from there when Illan would bring everyone in to meet. Okay guys, let's head to Twixie's, it's just around the corner, we can walk from here."
As the men all made their way out of the shop, Six asked, "So, what's a mate?"
"Excuse me?" Suneth asked.
"A mate. You said that Wade was your mate and by the sound of your voice, you're not from down under, so what is it?" Six asked.
"Shadow and Bullseye never explained mates to you?" Suneth asked in confusion.
Shaking his head, Six replied, "They explained about hierarchy and shifter rules, but no, I can't remember a time they spoke about mates."
Suneth thought about the best way to describe mates to a human. "Do you know anyone that has a marriage that is so sickening sweet and strong that when they walk into a room you know they are not only together, but meant to be together? You know, the kind where it's as if the two can practically read each other's mind, always seem to be touching even if it's the slightest, like fingertips brushing against each other?"
Nodding, Six replied, “My grandparents were that way. When Grandpa died, Grandma followed shortly after. I always thought it was from a broken heart."
"Exactly, it was as if when he died she lost her heart and soul," Suneth replied quietly.
"Yes, I remember at the funeral for Grandpa, her eyes didn't have any spark left in them," Six said quietly.
"Okay, now keep that picture in your mind and think about how they got there. They met, talked, maybe did a little dance around each other, playing cat and mouse," Suneth replied.
Six laughed. "I remember asking Grandma how she and Grandpa got together. She said she was working as a soda jerk in a card store. Grandpa walked in all sure of himself, chest pushed out, head held high. Her first thought was, he’s handsome. Then he looked at her and said, "You and I are going
out." His cockiness turned her off on the spot. So she told him to go take a flying leap and walked away. Every night from that day on he came into the shop. He would order, then sit at a booth and watch her for hours. She begged her boss to kick him out, but he wasn't bothering anyone. Then one day he didn't show. She said she had a bounce in her step thinking the big jerk had finally given up. One of his friends came in and asked how she was doing, Grandma said, “I’m great, your friend finally gave up.” The guy looked at her and said, “No he didn’t. Look outside.” Grandma looked out and there he was sitting in his car across from the soda shop. So she figured, if she went out with him, maybe he would finally give up. What she didn’t know was that Grandpa had already called his mom and told her he found the woman he was going to marry.”
Suneth laughed at the sweet story, and Bullseye scoffed, “You do know that in today’s age, he would be considered a stalker and have been put in jail."
Shrugging, Six replied, "He knew what he wanted and was willing to do anything to get his prize, and my Grandma was a prize."
Suneth looked at Six, saying, "What you described is what it's like for a paranormal. We walk into a room, scent this glorious smell and just know that they are the other half to our very soul. There is nothing that will stop us from pursuing our prize. Then once we have them, there is nothing we will not do for them to ensure their happiness. Our every moment in life centers around their happiness and safety."
"So what does the commander smell like?" Bullseye asked.
Six scoffed, "Oil, gunpowder, and skank."
"Maybe to you, Six, but to me, Wade smells like a crisp morning after a light frost mixed with a hint of mint," Suneth said drawing in a deep breath.
Wade squeezed his mate's hand, liking the description he just gave to his men.
They didn't take long to get to Twixie's, walking in to people talking, plates clacking, and a hand bell ringing. Wade could see Twix and another man rushing from table to table, taking orders or delivering food.
"Hey guys, I should have table twelve cleaned for you, just give me a few minutes," Twix yelled out, setting a plate in front of one of his customers.
"Actually Twix, if you don't mind, we'd like to go to the side room. We have some things to discuss," Wade said.
Twix turned to Wade, looking at his men as he wiped his hands on his apron. "Go ahead, Wade. It's clear right now. However, Illan said he and some others were going to be meeting there in a little while."
"Not a problem," Wade replied.
Nodding, Twix said, "I'll be in there to take your order in just a few minutes."
"Thanks Twix," Wade replied, turning to go into the other room.
Everyone took a seat and Wade said, "Look, I know that outsiders are normally not in on our discussions, however, Suneth is my mate and as such, I will not have any secrets from him. If anyone has issue with this, speak up now and don't think to bring me the concern later."
"Our op’s are normally confidential commander, is the government man going to have problems with this?" Bullseye asked.
"After the shit they pulled, I don't give a fuck what they think," Wade snarled.
Twix ran into the room. "Hey Wade, sorry, we're getting slammed out there. I love my place, but I really need to think about expanding. Half the folks out there are from Maddox."
Wade smiled. "Maybe you should think about opening a place there as well. I have no doubt it will be just as successful."
"A baby, diner, and two mates is enough for me. I wouldn't mind helping someone in Maddox though. Maybe be like a silent partner or something," Twix said with a smile.
"Wait, you have a baby and two mates? I thought you only got one? And sorry, I would have pegged you for a strictly-dickly kinda guy. I mean I know we shouldn't judge, but still, you have "I love men" written all over you," Six asked in confusion.
"Is this guy for real?" Twix asked with a short laugh.
Wade sat forward. "Forgive my bad manners, allow me to introduce my friends. The one with the twenty questions is Six, the big lug over there, I keep telling him man buns are so not in anymore, Bullseye, the man beside him, trying to be all vampirish with his quiet stoic look, is Snake and as always his best friend next to him, Shadow."
"I'm Flyer, and I have heard so much about this place from Wade. I seriously can't wait to try that roast beef sandwich he goes on and on about."
"And of course, you already know Rory," Wade concluded.
Twix smiled. "It's nice to meet you all. Any friend of Wade's will eventually be a friend of mine. Hey King Suneth, how'ya doing today? It's so nice to see you in human form again.”
"Thanks, Twix I―"
Six sat up straight. "Did he just say King Suneth?"
Twix continued as if Suneth nor Six spoke a word, "I know your men have sure been worried about you all those weeks Wade was gone. Not eating enough to keep a hummingbird alive, not sleeping for days at a time, not―"
"Twix, please. Thank you for your concern, I'm fine," Suneth interrupted, refusing to look in Wade's direction.
If Suneth thought that he wasn't going to explain all that Twix said, he had another thing coming. The first chance he got, Wade would be getting some answers.
"Okay guys, I know that Flyer wants the roast beef, so what can I get for the rest of you?" Twix asked.
Everyone gave their order and once Twix was gone, Wade looked at his men, saying, "I wanted us to get together because I have some―"
"We want out," Bullseye's loud declaration stopped Wade from saying anything.
Looking to each of his men, they all nodded, then Flyer spoke, "I've been thinking about this for a while, Commander. I'm not getting any younger, but after we were so fucked on this last mission, I'm just done."
"I'm with Flyer. Six and I have been doing a lot of talking and I'm tired, Commander. I mean to the point of burn out," Snake said looking at Six.
Nodding, Six said, "None of us want to leave you in a lurch, Commander. We've been together a long time and have been through a shit ton of battles. This last one―there was something really off, Wade. You had to of felt it too?"
"We were set up," Shadow said in his deep ominous voice.
"Shit yeah, we were. Someone was trying to make sure we didn't return from the mission. That is a no-brainer," Bullseye said with a sharp nod.
"What is he talking about, Wade?" Suneth asked anxiously.
Wade grasped Suneth's hand. "We were given false intel on the last mission. It caused a huge clusterfuck and we damn near died. We were sent in to rescue a Senator that had gone to Mexico to see U.S. Ambassador Claymore, but when he got there, the man was dead and the Senator was taken hostage. We were called in when the assholes demanded millions for his release."
"And your government does not pay ransoms," Suneth replied in understanding.
Wade turned to Suneth. "Exactly. The thing is, the location they gave us was a trap. My men were under an ambush and I had to go in and do what I could to get them out and still accomplish our mission."
"Snake and Bullseye damn dear died in that shit hole," Six stated angrily.
"And this wasn't the first time we were given bad intel. I don't know who is trying to off our asses, but they better hope I don't find out before the others. I will sever their jugular with my bare fucking teeth," Bullseye stated with a snarl.
The normally quiet Shadow, hissed, "If I find the fucking puto, I'm going to slit him fucking open with my fucking claws and eat his fucking entrails."
"Won't this person think you are running scared if you quit? Don't get me wrong, Wade, I'm all for you staying in Crystal full time, but I also don't want to stop you from being who you are, either."
Wade smiled. "Thank you, Suneth, but I've been wanting to retire for some time. I just didn't know if I could handle a normal civilian life. However, with Fallon and his constant bullshit, I have a feeling I won't be as bored as I once might have been." Looking at his men, Wade went on to say, "I've been offered
something here in Crystal and I think my skills would be really useful. I was kind of hoping to get you guys to move here and help me out."
Six looked at Wade. "Move to Crystal? What job? When do you need us? Ho―"
"If you would stop asking so many questions, I might be able to explain things."
"Fine, but if I'm going to up and move, I'd like the skinny on what's going on," Six stated.
Wade looked at Suneth, asking, "Would you mind filling my men in?"
Suneth went on to explain about Fallon and the attacks on Crystal and Maddox. When he was finished, Flyer sat forward. "So what is it you think we can do, Commander? Bullseye and Shadow maybe can help out, but the rest of us are humans."
"I think we have a lot to offer, Flyer. We are Seal Team 6. The baddest sons of bitches around. I also think that Fallon underestimates humans and that can give us a huge advantage. The paranormal world has a council and it so happens they are located right here and have asked me to join them. I think I should. It will help give them the human perspective, but I want my team here to help the rest of the town," Wade explained.
"Help them how? I'm not saying I'm not interested, I just don't understand what you want us to do," Six stated.
"Some shit went down, causing a bit of a rift between some of the humans and paranormals. They started hate groups and we have dealt with scumbag shits like that before. I think it might help the townspeople rest easier knowing that other, very capable humans, have their backs. We can help keep the peace, while watching out for Fallon or any other fuckwads he decides to send this way," Wade explained.
"What about the dickhead trying to kill us? Do you think he will follow us here? I don't want to place the people of your town in danger because of our past coming back to bite us in the ass," Bullseye replied.
"Bull, that fucker is coming no matter what. I just think we have a better chance of figuring out who the hell is trying to obliterate our team as civilians rather than constantly going into the field and them using armies they consider disposable," Wade explained.