by Vella Day
“That’s nice.”
Her father’s voice sounded in the background. She ran her nails across the microphone to simulate static. “You’re breaking up, Mom. I’ll call you later.”
She disconnected and inhaled to calm her racing heart. This was terrible. She’d never be able to visit them. The moment they questioned her about the men, she’d fold and tell them. As terrible as it was to upset her parents, how could she live without these two men?
There were no simple solutions. Maybe time to herself would provide her with answers.
Chapter Thirteen
Dirk jumped up. “What do you mean you want to leave us?” His hands fisted.
Clay strode next to him presenting a united front. “Sugar, what’s going on?” At least Clay appeared calm. He held out a hand as if he feared Dirk would attack her.
I want to strangle her. Elena was his mate, the woman he loved.
“I can’t do it.”
Clay eased closer. “Come sit with us and tell us what’s on your mind. I’m sure all of us can figure out a solution.”
She drew in her bottom lip and Dirk’s cock hardened. Fucking body. After the incredibly amazing sex, he should be less susceptible to shifting. Where Elena was concerned, he wasn’t sure he’d ever be immune.
Clay led her over to the chair. Dirk sat on the sofa across from her and shot Clay a death stare. Sit next to me and don’t antagonize her, asshole.
Maybe he had reacted rather strongly, but Christ. An hour ago, all three of them were soaring high above the earth.
“I spoke with my mom and told her what happened.”
Let me. Dirk was fine with Clay doing the talking. If he spoke, he’d just mess it up.
“Your mom was happy you were safe, right?”
“Yes, but if I stay with you two, maybe someday we’ll permanently want to be together and how would I explain to my Catholic mother I want to be with two men?”
Dirk’s gut nearly exploded. We can’t compete with a mother’s love.
We’ll see about that.
“Why don’t you take some time to think this through, sugar? I bet, in a few days, we’ll be able to figure something out.”
She knitted her fingers together as tears streamed down her face. The urge to cuddle her and soothe all her aches blasted him, but she wasn’t ready. He should have seen that. They’d rushed her. Damn. They were idiots.
She wiped the tears with the back of her hand. “Will you drive me to my storage unit?”
“Sure,” Clay said with amazing calm. “What do you need?”
She glanced to the side. “My computer and some clothes. My friend, Janice, said I could stay at her house until I find another apartment.” She glanced up but didn’t make eye contact with him. “Okay?”
Clay stood. “We’ll do whatever you want.”
Hood is still out there. Dirk would go ballistic if anyone harmed her.
We’ll see he doesn’t make trouble.
“Can we go, now?”
At her anxiety, Dirk’s heart broke. She seemed torn between wanting to stay with them and doing what she thought was the right thing. The old adage, “blood is thicker than water,” was never more true.
Dirk got up. “I’ll drive.”
Elena drew in half her bottom lip, and his fangs nearly poked out.
“Do you have a suitcase I can put my clothes in?”
Clay stepped toward the hallway. “I have one.”
As she waited for Clay to return, Dirk’s tongue wouldn’t work. He sucked at saying the right thing. “You want something to drink? Water, maybe?”
“No, thank you.”
Where had his wonderful Elena gone? There had to be something he could do. He didn’t have the chance to ponder his options before Clay returned with a suitcase and handed it to her.
She stood. “Give me a sec.”
When she closed her bedroom door, rage raced through his veins. He charged up to Clay. “We’re just going to let her go?”
“For now. She needs time to process what happened. You know as well as I do we can’t force our mate to accept us.”
That was true, but it didn’t mean he had to like it.
* * *
This was terrible. Elena almost vomited. She wanted to be with her men, but being in a ménage would be considered a mortal sin or, at least, a venial sin to her parents. Right now, her brain was too scrambled to think straight. Clay was right. A few days without them around might help her figure out the best plan.
It didn’t take long to gather her things. She drew in a deep breath and walked out, not even taking one last look at the nicest bedroom she’d ever had.
“I’m ready.”
Clay took her suitcase, and she followed them to the garage. Dirk slid into the driver’s seat and Clay sat in back. She chose to sit in front, partly because Dirk’s jaw hadn’t unclenched since she told them she needed to leave. His father had abandoned him, and his mom, and now, she was doing the same thing. But she wasn’t ready to stay.
“The storage unit is on Houston and Humphrey Street.”
Dirk’s jaw tightened even more. Great.
Within ten minutes, they were parked in front of her storage unit. Both men got out, but only Dirk escorted her to the locker. Clay stayed by the car, as if he sensed someone was near. Goose bumps tripped up her arm.
She leaned close to Dirk. “Does he think someone’s here?” Clay’s hands might have been down by his side, but his stiff shoulders didn’t bode well for them being alone.
“Don’t worry. Just hurry.”
She punched in the number and let Dirk open the garage bay. The box of her clothes she needed, as well as a bin of her shoes sat just inside the doorway. “The computer’s over there.”
The final box contained her bank records, birth certificate, her social security card, and other important documents. She grabbed it.
Once they loaded what she wanted in the back of the car, Dirk jogged over to join them. She scanned the area but didn’t spot anyone who looked evil.
“Where does your friend live?” Dirk asked.
“It’s not far.” She gave him directions.
Before they arrived at the house, her cell rang. At first, she wasn’t even aware it was her phone. After that skinny, tattooed jerk had stolen hers, she’d been without one. Then she remembered she’d given Janice the burn phone number.
“What’s up?”
“I’m so sorry, but I’m meeting a client for dinner. I won’t be home until late.”
Although Elena was disappointed she wouldn’t have someone to talk to, she was glad Janice offered her a place to stay. “No biggie. Have a good time.”
“Ugh. This one won’t be fun. It’s about a child custody case. There’s a pizza in the fridge you can have. You remember where the spare key is?”
“Sure do. If a little birdie didn’t fly away with it.”
“I’ll be home by ten at the latest.”
“Thanks for everything.” She pressed the End button.
Dirk glanced over at her. “Problem?”
“Not really. Janice won’t be home until late.” She planned to ask her friend to drop her off at the long-term parking lot, but now she’d have to ask the men. “Could you stop at Lindon and Main so I can pick up my car?”
“Sure, but you aren’t getting rid of us that easily. We’re going to help you with these boxes.”
The computer was heavy, and she would need one of them to carry it in. “I appreciate it.”
They arrived at the garage. Fortunately, she’d stashed the parking ticket in the glove compartment. Once she gave them the stub, they turned over the keys. She’d already paid for the one-month service. They were supposed to start her car weekly, and she hoped they had. When she slid in and the car turned over right away, she blew out a breath, glad one thing had gone right today.
Dirk had directions to Janice’s house in case they became separated. As she drove, she frequently glanced in her
mirror to make sure no car slipped between her and Dirk’s car. This was the first time she’d been outside and alone, and a creepy feeling crawled up her spine.
“Nothing can happen.” Even saying the words out loud didn’t bring comfort. Being away from her men was going to be harder than she thought.
Once they arrived at Janice’s house, she parked next to the garage. Dirk stopped next to her and cut the engine. She hoped they weren’t planning to stay any longer than it took to help her unpack. The purpose of leaving their house was to allow her time to think things through without their distracting presence.
I’m going to miss them.
Terribly.
Dirk retrieved her computer, and Clay picked up both boxes of clothing as she grabbed her suitcase and personal items. “Just put the stuff on the porch while I get the key.”
Oak trees shaded both the front and backyard, providing privacy. Janice had taped a plastic holder underneath the bird feeder. Elena slid her hand along the rim, and once she located the sleeve, pulled out the key. She trotted up the porch steps as Clay stood motionless and Dirk scanned the neighborhood.
“Everything okay? You sense any Colters?” She wanted this nightmare to be over.
They both faced her. “All good.” Only Clay smiled.
She exhaled and put the key in the lock. The one-and-a-half-story house had a compact living room with a dining room at one end and an enclosed kitchen on the west side. On the east side were two bedrooms and two baths. Upstairs contained a cute office that led out to a second story deck above the garage. In the past when she’d visited Janice, they’d often sat up on the roof deck and shared a glass of wine. What she wouldn’t give for that peace again.
“The spare bedroom is through here. Just put the stuff anywhere.” Then, please leave so you don’t have to see me cry.
Once the men put her things in the bedroom, she walked them to the front door and faced them, her pulse racing. “No words can describe what it’s been like having both of you in my life. Not only did you risk your lives sav—”
“Say no more, sugar.” Clay polished his knuckles on his shirt and grinned. “We’re heroes. We know it.”
That almost made her laugh.
Dirk didn’t fake his reaction. “Sweetheart.” He moved closer.
She palmed his chest. “Please, don’t. If you kiss me goodbye, we’ll all end up in bed.”
Dirk halted. “Would that be so bad?”
No. “Yes. I need time. Promise me you won’t visit until I call.”
He winced and his hands clenched. “We’ll respect your wishes.”
The pain racing across his face cut her deep. “Thanks.” She averted her gaze. Her stomach hurt, and she fought back the tears.
Clay must have sensed her despair and pulled open the front door. “Dirk. Come on. Let’s leave the lady alone.”
Lady? Not our mate? Her insides almost bled.
As soon as they left, she rushed to the window. Once they were out of sight, the sobs came. She grabbed her stomach and sat on the sofa. Even the silence in the house seemed to mock her. What had she done?
* * *
Clay slapped the car dashboard. “I don’t like it.”
Dirk glanced over at him as he turned right onto Jackson Street. “Like I do?”
“I meant, I don’t like leaving her there alone. You sensed the shifter when we were at the storage unit.”
“A lot of workers are shifters. Doesn’t mean he’s a Colter or associated with Hood.”
Maybe he was overreacting and looking for an excuse to go back and kidnap her for real. “True.” He pulled out his phone. “I’m calling Trax to see if any of the men have a beat on Hood.”
With Hood at large, there was no telling if he held a grudge against her or not. The man they’d captured mentioned Hood knew that he and Dirk had been undercover. That made things worse.
“Call the general. Maybe some of the men are spilling their guts, looking for a deal.”
“I doubt that. Since when have you known the general to cut any deals?”
“They don’t know that.”
“Harvey Couch’s death crippled their organization. If Hood goes down, the Colters will feel real pain. No one’s going to say anything.”
“I hope you’re wrong.”
“Me, too.”
* * *
Elena put away her few belongings and then spent at least four hours searching not only for a possible apartment, but for job openings. Her skills were limited. If her family had money while she was growing up, she would have gone to college. Law had always fascinated her, which might be why she enjoyed Janice so much. Several companies were advertising for paralegals, but even if she had the money now, it would take a long time to earn a certification.
She dropped her head in her hands. Here she thought being locked in a cage was bad. She swore the pain in her heart now was worse. Torn between her family beliefs and what she wanted was a no win situation.
Maybe some food and a glass of wine would give her clarity. The jetted tub in Janice’s master bath would soothe a lot of aches, but she wanted to ask permission first. After two slices of pizza and a glass of wine, she dropped onto the sofa and clicked on the television.
Even though one of her favorite shows was on, she couldn’t concentrate. She loved both Clay and Dirk. They both wanted her and she wanted them. Decision made. She’d call them back and say she wanted to be with them. But first, she needed to tell her mom.
She clicked off the tube and dialed. Her pulse soared and her pits sweated. The phone rang forever before her mom picked up.
“Hello?”
“It’s me again, Momma.”
“Elena. Something wrong?”
“No.” She rolled the bottom of her shirt into a wad. “I have a confession to make, and I pray you will forgive me.”
“Tell me.” Those two words were fraught with censure.
Here goes. “I fell in love with the men who saved me.”
Silence met her. “Did you have sex?”
She would focus on the sex part and not on the fact she fell in love with two men. Lying would not help. “Yes. With both men.”
“Lord in heaven, forgive your soul. Why, Elena, why?” The strangled cry that followed tore out her heart. Damning her soul was one thing, but crushing her mother was another.
“I’m weak. Or maybe I believed this is the right thing for me. I’m happy, Momma, for the first time in my life.”
“Do they love you?”
“Yes. Very much.”
“God would not approve. Two men? What were you thinking? This can’t end well.”
She swiped the tears from her cheek. “In Gulfside, many women are with two men.” Perhaps she exaggerated, but she had nothing else to offer.
“I’m disappointed in you. I brought you up better.”
Being disappointed was better than being destroyed or suicidal. “I know, Momma. I’m sorry.”
Lights flashed across the living room window. She tensed then returned her attention to the conversation.
“I’m not sure you should come home for a while,” her mother said.
Her comment hurt, but the fact she wasn’t screaming helped. “I know. I know.” A second set of lights swept the other way a few seconds later. Perhaps they reached the end and turned around.
A car door sounded. The front porch light glowed. Janice had installed lights around the bird feeder, too. Who knew those critters needed to see to find water? She stepped to the window but stood to the side so the driver couldn’t spot her.
At first she thought Dirk or Clay had come back to beg her to return, but they would have parked in the drive. She peeked out. Darkness shrouded the two people, but there was enough moonlight to tell it was two men. Neither was Dirk or Clay. Her heart raced.
“Momma. I have to go. I think those bad men might have come back.” She disconnected, not waiting for her mother to answer.
This can’t be happen
ing. They were coming up the path.
Run!
Call 9-1-1. Her fingers fumbled with the numbers. There wasn’t time.
Hide!
Horror gripped her, splintering her thought process. She spun and ran, the phone slipping from her fingers. The kitchen had cabinets under the island but they’d be stacked with pots. She dashed down the hall and up the stairs.
Glass shattered. Shit.
She blessed herself as she reached the top of the stairs. Searching the office for somewhere to hide, she discarded one place after another. They’d find her in a closet or under a bed. She glanced upward at the attic door. Perfect. She tugged on the rope and a ladder unfolded. While she’d never been in Janice’s attic, she bet all it contained was insulation and beams. If she stepped on the floor, she’d tumble through the ceiling.
Leaving it open to mislead them, she rushed out the door to the deck above the garage. Voices sounded downstairs. This time they wouldn’t toss her in a crate. They’d kill her.
Chapter Fourteen
Trax’s number flashed on Clay’s cell. He answered immediately. “What do you have?”
“One of the men talked. Seems Hood blames you two for the organization’s downfall.”
That didn’t surprise him or bother him much, except Trax’s tone reflected too much tension. “What aren’t you saying?”
“They might go after Elena.”
“Fuck.” He didn’t need any more information and disconnected. “Dirk!”
His friend rushed out of the bedroom. “What?”
“Elena might be in trouble.”
From under the kitchen counter, Clay withdrew his gun. Dirk kept his in the car. Clay sprinted to the garage and Dirk followed. It might have been after rush hour, but too many cars were still on the road.
“Can’t you go faster?” Clay asked.
Dirk shot him a lethal glare. “Fuck you.”