“You already knew the word fuck, and it’s a television, not a picture box.”
“I did know the word, but I didn’t realize how fun it was to use it regularly in general speech. Makes talking way more fucking interesting.” He grinned.
“Stop that! Human females may not like it. Saying the word fuck in general conversation is considered rude.”
Worth snorted. “They may not like it. May not. You don’t even know for sure.”
“There are many things I don’t know. I also haven’t been here all that long. A couple of months is nothing.” Cadon pushed out a heavy breath. “Fine, we can go out tonight.”
The other four males jumped to their feet, their faces animated. Worth roared.
“Hold up just a moment.” Cadon put up a hand. “We’re not all going. I can’t watch all of you at once.”
“We are full-grown keythong. We do not need you to watch us.” Zaire gave him a scathing look.
“Very well said.” Worth folded his arms. “I stopped suckling on my mother’s breast many moons ago. I would suckle on yours but you don’t have any. So no fledgling-sitting necessary.”
“You are on human territory.” Cadon tried to stay calm when he wanted to punch Worth in the face. “Did you forget the chaos of the human city?”
“No, but I am sure I speak for the others when I say we can take care of ourselves.”
“It’s not you I’m worried about. Not ultimately. I don’t want others finding out who we are and what we are doing here. You know the risks. That goes for humans and shifters alike. There are those who would have a problem with our presence here. And then, I don’t want any of you accidentally hurting a human.”
“I wouldn’t hurt a female,” Zaire chipped in. “I would make her feel amazing. Give her a night to remember.” He rubbed his hands together, looking pleased with himself.
Cadon grit his teeth, trying hard to stay calm. “I’m not talking about females. I doubt any of you could get one to agree to buy her a drink, let alone take her home.”
This elicited another snort from Worth. “We are strong and fierce warriors. My prick is long and thick. It may have been a long time, but I still know how to use it.”
Cadon chuckled.
“What is so funny?” Worth spat.
“It is talk like that, that will get you nowhere.”
“How should I talk then?”
Cadon shrugged. “Fucked if I know.” He stared at Worth and Worth stared back at him. They both laughed.
Worth clapped him on the back. “So, who’s in and who’s out?”
Cadon knew the male wouldn’t like his answer. He looked him head-on. “Zaire and Locke can come with me. The other two need to stay home with you.” He looked at the male pointedly.
“What? Why can’t I go?” Worth asked.
“You know the answer to that question.”
“You want me to fledgling-sit?” Worth raised his brows.
Cadon looked at him, not wanting to answer in front of the others because that was exactly what he wanted from Worth.
“I don’t want to stay here with Worth. I’m ready,” Andy growled. “More than ready. I can’t wait to get my hands on a female. I’ll prove to you that—”
“That’s why you’re staying right here. You need to get a handle on those raging hormones.” Cadon shook his head.
“I want to mount.” Orrick tore off another chunk of bread, using his teeth.
“You…” How did he phrase this delicately? “Need some more…training.” As in a ton more.
Orrick narrowed his eyes. “Training in what? I am already one of the best warriors. That is why I was chosen. My wingspan is one of the widest.” He shrugged, frowning. “Worth has a tiny prick compared to mine.” The male grinned. “You all do,” he added.
“That kind of thing does not interest a human female,” Cadon tried to explain.
Orrick stood up and with a fierce growl he tore his shirt from his body, banging a fist against his chest. “I am strong!” he roared.
Cadon felt his lip twitch. “A human female would turn and run if you did that.”
“I don’t understand.” Orrick frowned deeply, his bright, yellow eyes glowed. The male would scare most Feral, let alone humans.
Why Leukos had chosen Orrick was beyond him. Something to do with owing the male. “And until you do understand, you’re staying here.”
Orrick’s shoulders slumped.
“I will take you out tomorrow,” Cadon said, watching as Orrick’s eyes brightened. “Not to meet females,” he warned. “So that you can observe.” Some more advice from Talon. Observe human interactions. Study them from afar long before approaching. It worked. Maybe the male hadn’t been completely useless in his sharing of information.
“I don’t want to observe. I want to touch,” the male muttered.
“Me too,” Andy growled. “I don’t see why they get to go.”
“You are wet behind the ears and might be a little over eager. Back to hurting a human.”
Andy’s eyes widened. “I would never hurt a human.”
“Not on purpose, no. You need time to settle, to calm down,” Cadon reiterated.
“What do you mean?” the male asked, eyes hard and glinting like sharp steel.
“Look at you,” Cadon said. “You’re pacing. You took one look at your first human female and…”
Andy stopped, mid-stride. “Don’t remind me. You have all teased me enough about this.”
All the males laughed. “That was some erection,” Locke said, still chuckling. “I was sure you were going to tear right through your human clothing.”
“Stop talking about it. I will have more control the next time round.”
“If you come with us now, you will scare a female off or end up hurting her. You need to trust me on that,” Cadon said, using a softer tone. “Come and observe with Orrick and me tomorrow. We’ll get to the actual meeting part soon enough. There is no rush.”
Andy clenched and unclenched his fists. He finally nodded. “Fine.”
“I may not know very much about humans, but I know a lot more than any of you. It’s going to take time.”
“You don’t suffer like we do,” Worth said.
A fist clenched tight inside Cadon. “I suffer.” The words came out before he could stop them.
Worth shook his head and ran a hand through his light hair. “Of course you do. I’m sorry I said that.” He breathed out through his nose. “It was callous of me to say different. The three of us will watch the picture box…” He cleared his throat. “The television.”
Orrick grunted. And Andy gave a half-hearted nod.
“Thank you for understanding. The rest of us will need to get ready soon. We can go for what humans call ‘happy hour’.”
Zaire frowned. “Happy hour? I’m not sure I understand. Is there an hour in which the humans are excessively happy? If so, why?” His frown deepened.
Cadon chuckled. “Yes, there is such an hour but I will explain later.” This was going to be interesting. They were nowhere near ready. Worth was right though, the only way they were going to learn, was to jump in. Ready or not humans, here we come.
Chapter 7
“Stop fretting,” Susan said, baby on her hip, while she stirred something in the pot. Smelled like a stew of some kind. “You look lovely.” Her sister smiled.
“Hardly.” It had only been a few days and the skirt felt tighter. Hopefully the pin would hold.
“You do look fantastic.” Susan widened her eyes. “Your boobs are huge in that blouse. You’re going to make so many tips.”
“It’s not the blouse.” Kerry shook her head. “They are huge. The only thing that fits, but only just, are my sports bras, and as for the tips,” she smiled, “it’s not that kind of establishment.” It wouldn’t be long before the sports bras were too tight as well. She needed to make some money.
“This is the first shift of many. You’ll be able to buy new bra
s in no time. Just you wait and see.” Susan moved the baby from one hip to the other. Little Simon gurgled and drooled. Looking happy as a clam.
“I hope you’re right. Here,” she held out her arms, “let me take him. I have a few minutes—”
Using a spoon, Susan waved her away. “Nonsense. You might get a stain on that white blouse and then what?”
“That’s true. I don’t have anything else to wear.”
“When will supper be ready?” Peter asked, hands on hips. There was a huge grimy smear on his one cheek. His hands were grubby too.
“Only after you have yourself a bath, young man.”
His face fell. “Ahhh, maaaa!” he moaned. “Can’t I eat first?” It was the same ritual every evening. Kerry had to bite back a giggle.
“No.” Her sister shook her head. “Absolutely not. Sammy!” she yelled.
Peter rolled his eyes. The little boy caught her smile and smiled back, quickly turning serious when his mom turned her eyes back on him.
Her twelve-year-old niece sighed as she walked into the kitchen. “Yes, Mom?”
“Please run your brother a bath.”
Sammy widened her eyes in pure disbelief, like this whole scene of events had never happened before. “He’s six years old.”
“Nearly seven,” Peter remarked.
“Exactly, he’s nearly seven, he can run his own bath.” Same as always. Kerry bit down on her lip.
“Samantha Valadao, you can do me this one small thing. Please.”
Another sigh.
“Don’t you sigh at me, young lady.” Susan’s voice turned no-nonsense, reminding her of their own mother. God rest her soul.
“Yes, Ma. Sorry.”
“Thank you,” Susan said. “You go shower once he’s done.”
“Yes, Ma.” And that was the end of that. Little Simon was once again repositioned to the other hip and Susan commenced stirring. “You’d better get going,” she said. “Don’t want to be late on your first day back on the job.”
“Thank you.” Kerry suddenly felt overcome with emotion. “I can’t tell you how I appreciate…”
Susan turned to face her. “It’s okay. We don’t mind in the least. We’re all that’s left, you and me. Besides, your help has been a godsend.”
It was true. It was just the two of them. And of course, Barry and the kids. “I’m not going to buy any new bras.” Kerry shook her head. “My breasts can’t possibly get any bigger than this.”
Susan laughed. “Want to take a bet?”
“Anyway,” Kerry ignored her sister’s comment, “I’m going to buy food and diapers. I’m going to contribute to this family if I’m staying here.”
“No.” Susan shook her head. “You need to save for when the baby comes. It’s only a matter of time before Barry finds work.” Her sister’s eyes hazed over for a second.
“I’m sure he’ll be home any second,” Kerry blurted, wishing she’d kept her mouth shut.
“Like hell,” Susan responded, quickly lowering her voice. Although she sounded angry, Kerry knew she was hurting. “If he’s at Lucky’s he’s going to be a while.” Susan chewed on her lower lip and Simon began to fret. “It’s the frustration, is all.”
If you asked her, Barry went to Lucky’s altogether too often and drank altogether too much. Especially since the family didn’t have much savings left. Susan knew that just as well as she did. So Kerry didn’t feel the need to point it out. “You’re right.” She touched her sister on the side of the arm. “Are you sure you’re okay?”
“I’m fine.” Susan waved her arm, breaking the contact. “More than fine. Don’t you worry.”
Kerry did worry. She knew it wouldn’t be long before this whole family ended up homeless if something didn’t change. Her odd shift wasn’t going to cover the bills and if Barry didn’t find something soon… No! It would be best not to think about that. “Okay. As long as you’re sure?”
“I am. You get going. You’ll be great and that boss of yours won’t be able to help himself but to give you more and more shifts, you’ll see.”
Kerry swallowed thickly, praying Susan was right. “Okay, I’d better get going or I’m going to miss the bus.”
Simon fussed a whole lot more when Susan gave her a one-armed hug. “You stay as long as you need to, you hear?”
“Thanks, Sis. Love you.”
“Love you too.”
Kerry smiled. “I’ll see you later.”
“Take care of yourself!” Susan yelled as she walked out the door.
Oblivious to her surroundings. Eyes trained on the road ahead. She walked down the path that led to the front gate and turned onto the pavement to the bus stop. She could see it not two hundred feet up the road. She picked up her pace, thankful she couldn’t see the bus yet. There was an elderly man sitting on—
Maybe if she had been looking.
Maybe if she hadn’t been running a little late and rushing.
He hit her with a flat hand. It stung and she staggered back a step or two. Maybe even three. She wasn’t sure because hot blood coursed down her chin as her busted lip split back open. Her nose may have been bleeding as well. Bright red blood spluttered onto her only decent blouse. Her first thoughts were of how she was going to get it off in time for her shift.
Then her blood ran cold as she looked into the eyes of pure evil.
“I’ve missed you,” Jeff said, looking like he meant it. Ironic since he had just hit her hard enough to make her bleed. Within seconds his eyes turned hard and filled with malice.
Kerry took a step back. “Please—” She didn’t get to finish her sentence.
Jeff gripped her by her blouse. There was a tearing noise. “You don’t get to say anything.” His eyes were hard, his jaw set. “You are going to walk with me and get into my car.” He let her go. “It’s over there.”
Why hadn’t she seen it? Parked on the other side of the street. A gleaming black Mercedes Benz. His baby. Loved that damned car more than his unborn son. Kerry squared her shoulders. “I’m not coming with you.”
“What?” He grabbed her wrist.
Kerry cried out as his fingers closed tightly around her flesh, squeezing. He grabbed her by the throat with his other hand. Not applying too much pressure. Thank god! She could just get air into her lungs if she stayed on her tippy toes. If she tried hard enough. It hurt though and her eyes filled with tears. They were tears of anger and pure desperation.
“I told you I wouldn’t let you leave me. I meant it. It doesn’t matter where you go or what you do, I will find you. You can’t run and you can’t—”
“Hey!” someone yelled. It was a voice she recognized. Jeff’s hand tightened, closing off her air. Kerry began to gag, trying hard to suck in oxygen. Her mind fogged and panic began to set in. She clawed at Jeff’s fingers, but they may as well have been made from tempered steel.
“Back off!” Jeff yelled. “I’ll snap her in half.”
“My wife is calling the police as we speak.” It was Barry. He’d come home early from Lucky’s after all. “Let her go!” another yell. Even though she still couldn’t breathe, the panic subsided somewhat.
“Fuck this!” Jeff snarled as he pushed her away, releasing her. By some miracle, she managed to keep her footing. Barry rushed to her, putting an arm around her. She gagged and spluttered, so thankful when oxygen finally surged into her starving lungs. She gulped down air. Her throat was on fire.
“…better go before they get here.” She heard Barry say as her brain began to work again. Her throat still burned. As did her lungs. More blood dripped down her chin.
“Don’t you dare say anything to anyone,” Jeff spat, pointing a finger at her. His eyes were murderous. “I’ll fight you for sole custody. I’ll win too. I have the money, which means I hold all the cards.” He pointed some more, walking backwards as he spoke. “Try me, Kerry. Just try me. I suggest you pack up and come home. Make that, I strongly suggest.”
“Fuck off!” Bar
ry yelled. “Get going.” He was much smaller than Jeff. A bit paunchy around the middle as well. Jeff was in good shape. He worked out every day. He was strong, she could attest to that. Thankfully, Barry didn’t back down.
Kerry tried to say something, but it came out croaky.
“Don’t tell me what to do.” Jeff stopped, he walked back towards them.
Shit.
Shit.
She made a mewling noise, taking a step back. Barry clutched his arm more firmly around her. “I’m warning—” Barry began.
“The police will be here any minute!” Susan shouted from the house. “I have a gun.” It wasn’t true. At least, Kerry didn’t think so.
Oh no! The kids, what if Jeff got in the house. “Go,” she managed to choke out. “I won’t say anything. I’ll pack. Just go.” Her throat hurt. Her words were strained and gravelly.
Jeff’s eyes narrowed. “I’ll send an Uber for you in half an hour.” His tone was firm. Like she was one of his staff members. No, worse…like he owned her. “You take it or else.” He pointed a finger at her.
“You’re not seriously—”
“It’s okay, Barry,” she croaked, turning to her brother-in-law. “It’s my decision.”
“Don’t let me down.” Jeff pointed at her again. “Half an hour or you’ll be sorry.”
Kerry forced herself to maintain eye contact. She nodded once.
“Good.” Jeff turned and walked away. He fired up his car and drove away with a screech of tires.
“Are you okay?” Barry asked as she slumped against him. “That dickhead. I can’t believe that just happened. I mean, I know it happened before, but— Out here, in broad daylight. The nerve of that asshole!”
“It’s okay! I’m fine.” There was that phrase again.
“Kerry,” her sister called from the door. “Are you alright?”
“I’m fine!” she shouted up the pathway.
“You’re not fine.” Barry was having a mini panic attack now that Jeff was gone. “Look at you.”
“It’s superficial. My lip will take a couple of days to heal and I might have a few bruises on my—”
“You will definitely have bruises.” Barry examined her throat area. “You’ve already got red marks. Listen to your voice. You need to go to the emergency room.”
A Mate for York Page 4