by Nini Church
The babe’s mood changed swiftly as he kicked his chubby legs out, wearing a big sloppy grin with his avid green eyes stuck on Reno. Goofball style, Reno was doing his best Donald Duck impressions.
A massive whoosh sucked air out of the room and Duke McFeerson appeared with three of his sons, Sean, Marmaduke and Trevor. Duke loved catching others off guard – in this case he was hoping to catch someone – anyone – in a nefarious act so he could deny the Formal Petition.
Except all hell broke loose around them.
Reno cupped Deos to his chest, big forearms slamming together to seal in front of the babe and with his head low, he roared, running for the females. Fifi, Matty and Abe were huddled together in the far corner of the kitchen out of the way. He thrust Deos at Matty and reached for the nearest intruder.
Jericho jammed the biggest male against the fridge drilling into him, chest, stomach, ribs. “Start fucking explaining.”
A couple of painful groans came before Duke got out, “McFeerson.”
Jericho pulled up short and jimmied back a step. He huffed out a few gobs of air before glancing over his shoulder. His team had everything in hand and as expected had total control over the situation.
Reno was on the bigger male with both arms twisted up his back and one leg awkwardly slanted backwards, keeping him off balance, and meant to break against the heel of Reno’s big shit–kicker. Conn held a feisty smaller male on the floor, face down, knuckles boring into the back of his neck, ready to snap his spine.
The fourth intruder, Trevor, eyed a hefty male holding an electronic pad as they paced around one another. Roughly the same size, it would be a fair fight. Yet, his intuition was on fire – there was something about this warrior that warned him off and he purposely stayed back not making the first move.
For Trevor, it was crazy and unbelievable to see his brothers and Da so quickly pinned down. Finally, he shook his head and threw up his hands, dark eyes seeking answers from the big male with the electronic pad. "Who and what the fuck are you?” He watched as the big male trembled with anger and his hazel eyes strangely sparked.
Calebre shuddered with fiery rage and thundered – sometimes his real truth just came out – “Stand the fuck down. Assholes, dropping in out of nowhere.” His eyes swept over the crowd and his voice layered with building rage, “How the fuck did you think we’d react?”
He swung his head, furious eyes landing on Duke McFeerson. “This ain’t your magical fucking fairy island – this here is Jinn territory and you’re fucking right smack dab in the middle of it.”
Jericho didn't say a word. Caleb, as a member of the vaunted Calipus Ex family, rarely risked going ballistic, but having the McFeerson’s drop in unannounced, bypassing his elaborate and necessary layers of security, went against the grain of everything Cal worked for.
A signal to Cal to calm the fuck down and Jericho watched him take a couple of deep breaths as he uncurled his fists, but there was still that tilt of rage to Caleb's chin. Jericho splayed his fingers at Conn and Reno, a command to break their holds.
On a nod, Conn released his cousin, Sean, at the same time Reno let go of the bigger male who staggered a few steps as Reno protectively moved in front of the females, ready to roll.
Conn stayed put, keeping an eagle eye on Sean who was pissed as hell and breathing heavy. After Reno mauled him, Marmaduke had a look of murder in his eyes – not used to being bested, it riled him badly. Conn watched Marm’s fists clench and loosen several times. “Ye’ll stand down, lads. Both of ye. That’s an order.”
A certain aura hung over every male in the room – This ain’t fucking anywhere near finished.
Duke nodded to his cousin Conn, face expressionless and introduced himself. “Duke McFeerson. My sons Sean, Trevor and Marmaduke. T’wasn't my intention to cause disruption.” He bowed deeply to the females behind Jericho and Reno.
Abe stepped around her mate to confront Duke McFeerson. “What on earth did you think you were doing?”
“Me apologies, lass. In truth, a few of the intense wards we passed through are gonna leave their marks and bruises. T’was a slight miscalculation that we came in the way we did.”
“Really? I don’t think so. You own it.”
“I take it ye’d be Queen Annabelle?” Duke smiled easily, but got no return smile.
Abe winced, she hated her full name Annabelle, and her emerald eyes were hard. “In the flesh.”
Duke’s attention flashed to both gurgling babes. “And those be yer wee bairns?”
“Yes and thanks to your daughter they are doing very well. Aili’s a fantastic doctor and we want her back.”
Reno took the time to study the biggest Scot he’d ever seen. Duke McFeerson, 6 foot 7 or more, towered over them. Size didn’t instill fear. In a fight, it didn’t mean jack shit. The big Scot was thick though the middle, big tree stump thighs – not so quick. It was an edge and any edge was good right now in Reno’s world.
Duke kept his dark eyes on Abe, Annabelle Evergreen Sullivan, Queen of the Jinn. Truly a beautiful lass and comparable to his Aili. She had spunk and confidence enough to confront him. Her mate appeared fine with it. No wonder Aili spoke so fondly about them. They had nae fecking rules – no order here. Yet, he was reminded how his daughter's face lit up when describing the compound and the wonderful Jinn she had met.
Duke kept his own to his own and wasn’t one for mixing. He bowed deeply from the waist to a Queen he already admired, but kept a twinkle in his eye. “Aye tis why I’m here. Aili wants to come back. She’s verra excited about the hospitals. As is me mate, Esme. They both think it a fine idea.”
“Good. We’ve got money, builders and now all we need is Aili’s expertise. When can she return?”
Duke roared with laughter. “Cut to the chase, lass? Nae, not so quickly. Tis me daughter we’re talking about.”
Reno remained still, refusing to give away that immense and blasting emotions were overwhelming him. Hope filled him and it warmed his cold heart that Duke McFeerson was even considering letting Aili return to the compound. If he played his cards well – and, by fuck, he always did – they’d never know how badly he wanted her back – until she was actually here.
Then, no rules, no clan laws were ever gonna stop him from taking what was his.
Doctor.
Aili.
McFeerson.
Jericho noticed the passionate, goddamn dreamy expression Reno wore and it was the last thing he wanted Duke McFeerson to see so he added in his two cents, “She’s a fine female. You must be proud of her.”
Duke only nodded. He wasn’t a politician as was this King. No sidetracking him with flattery or any other nonsense.
Matty and Fi cooed to Deos and Daisy, keeping them occupied. Duke kept glancing over, one corner of his mouth twitching up.
Abe noticed that Duke McFeerson was obviously taken with her babes. As a peace offering and sure Aili's father was trustworthy, Abe did smile then, asking, “Would you like to meet the twins?”
“Aye, I would. We have nae of our own as me heathen sons have yet to choose their mates. Me ‘n Esme want lots of grandchildren.”
Abe held one babe in the crook of each arm with Jericho tight behind her, his big hand firmly cupping her waist.
Gently, Deos grabbed Duke’s proffered large finger while Daisy’s tiny hand splayed in his open palm. They both babbled at him, the front of their wee onesies wet with dribble. It warmed his heart. Two happy cherubs. Now, he understood fully why Aili enjoyed her short stay with this new family.
Zulu entered the kitchen, beads at his temples clacking merrily, a tribal warrior to the core. At 6 foot 4 and built like a tank, he was all muscle and sinew wearing only a loin cloth low on his hips. He hated clothes and only wore them when he had to and even then, it was hard to keep the extra gear on.
Duke’s eyes about popped out of his head. “Fecking native. Civilization means clothes. Tis simple really.”
Quickly, Jericho cut i
n, “Zulu’s a South Pacific warrior. His father is their tribal leader, their Chief. Zu’s never been comfortable in modern clothing.”
Zulu didn’t listen to Jericho explaining, but squinted at the big Scot. A big, big male. Nice challenge. Smoothly, he rolled up on his toes and back down on his heels rapidly. Muscles pumped with a little burn, he fisted both hands. No one questioned his heritage – an insult to his name and his very nature.
With one brow tilting high and face creasing with worry, Jericho barked, “Zu? Chill, man. He’s not questioning you or your tribe’s honor.” Zulu was usually calm and could hold his own easily, but any mention of his tribe in a negative light would always set him off. A killer to the death, it was never easy to peel Zu off an offender. Duke McFeerson might be it – if he didn’t watch his mouth.
Zulu didn’t chill, too offended at the way the male sneered at his longest loincloth. Good thing he didn’t have a short one on. As an insult, he’d pop him a peek. The Scot would get it, as he too likely had nothing on under his blue skirt.
“Tis a statement I made, nothing more. I meant no insult.” Duke grinned widely. “But ye aer wearing a bit of a pillowcase, to be sure, and ye’ve hair with all those contraptions woven in. We’re nae used to seeing that.”
Matty stepped up beside Zulu. “He’s from a different culture and so are you, you’re wearing a stupid skirt.”
Duke chuckled heartily, refusing her insult. “Nae lass, tis but a kilt.”
“Well, here’s the deal, you’re in the US of A. You are wearing a skirt and only women do that.”
Zulu pointedly stared at McFeerson’s big fleshy knees, long socks slumped down his shins.
Marmaduke’s shoulders lifted once or twice as he grunted, laughing softly. Trevor stared at the beautiful female, so tall and slim with shiny brown hair highlighted by red streaks and amazing big, brown eyes. A quick flick of his eyes back to the tribal warrior told this exquisite female belonged to him. Trevor glanced away immediately.
Sean stayed close to Da, not sure there wouldn’t be more fighting. They’d go through him first before touching Da again. He was just itching to have another go. Only this time, he’d pound the snot out of Conn.
To break the growing tension, Jericho waved to the back hallway, “Let’s take this into my office.”
Reno trailed behind the others, his shit–kickers hitting plank floors hard. It pissed him off that they were gonna discuss Aili’s future without her even being here.
Rage simmered just below the surface.
He was ready to roll.
Chapter 6
Around the solid wood conference table in the far corner, well away from the windows in Jericho’s office, everyone found a seat, leaving Duke with Sean and his other two sons at his side, facing Jericho and Reno, Conn and Caleb.
Rad stood with his back to the door, massive arms braced across his chest. He’d missed the earlier go they had at each other, but he wasn’t going to miss the next one. If anything, he’d be first in.
Jericho took control right away. “I’ll open the negotiations. Do you want to do this formally or have a general discussion?” Jericho hoped McFeerson picked general. It was easier with no need for a Recorder or transcripts.
“Discussion is fine, fer now. How many warriors do ye have securing this compound?”
Jericho wanted to laugh at Duke McFeerson’s bulldozer attitude, but shook his head instead. “Not gonna happen. This isn’t show and tell.” McFeerson was a prick and a bastard. “I guarantee her safety once she is here. She’ll be under my protection along with yours. Here in Jinn country, mine carries more weight.”
They spent almost an hour hammering out details, including four warriors and two of her brothers who would remain with Aili for the first few weeks. With no place to house them, it wasn’t going to be easy. Jericho finally insisted six additional bodies at his compound was impossible right now and ordered Duke to reduce it to three.
As expected, the big Scot refused to leave less than four warriors – two of his sons and two additional warriors – with his daughter, come hell or high water.
“Fine, four then. Are we done?”
“Nae one last stipulation. Esme, me mate, Aili’s Ma wants to visit. I canna say nae to her. It’ll break her heart. Aili’s our only lass, our bairn.”
Jericho conferred with Reno who agreed readily. Anything to get Aili back. “Done.”
Duke’s hard eyes landed on Reno and stayed there. “What does your wee lad have to do with whether me mate visits or not?”
“Reno’s my Second–in–Command. Besides, you don't get to question my decisions. True."
Still, Duke kept dark eyes on Reno, studying the warrior. Voice hard and booming, he demanded, “Ye stay the feck away from me daughter. I’ll only be saying it once to ye, lad.”
Reno shoved back from the table, standing to his almost 6 foot 5 height, blue eyes hooded. “You say that like Aili draws in males like flies. You show no respect for her.”
Trevor’s mouth fell open and Marmaduke’s bushy brows slid up into his hairline – both shocked by the mouthy male, daring to push Da in ways none were stupid enough to venture.
"Ye're a mite confused if ye think I'd be disrespecting me daughter." Duke wore an evil grin, turning to his sons. “Which one of you wants at this lad first?”
None of his sons answered, but a thousand pounds of male flesh was ready and willing to go at it again only this time, the Scottish contingent wouldn’t be ambushed by a bunch of Jinn.
Muscles rippling and torqueing all over his body and not one to shy away from confrontations – hell, he usually pushed for them – Reno spoke slowly, a cutting edge in his tone. “Call me Lad again and I’m gonna put my fist down Your throat. Not them. You.”
McFeerson blinked, rising to his feet, chest swelling and gaining another couple of inches in height as he rolled his massive shoulders out of their slump. Near on seven feet tall, almost nothing could touch him, certainly not a wee lad a hand span or two smaller than him.
Puny muscles on the lad and thinner than he should be. If he were a Scot, he’d need another thirty or forty pounds just to round out, get some heft going. This male, Jinn or not, had none in Duke’s opinion.
Conn mumbled, “Told ye he was big as a house.”
Reno grinned wickedly. “Big means slow, sure as shit. He probably moves like a fucking turtle.”
Beside his Da, Sean rose to his feet and they all caught his evil smirk. “Aye, but you can bet on it that one of us’ll be faster.” He winked just to aggravate the other males. These were warriors, one or two of the First Order – some more – and all likely unsurpassed until meeting up with the McFeersons. The male, Reno, mouthing off to his Da was going to get a sound thumping. It usually didn’t take much for Da to lose his temper and he was already borderline now.
In less than a millisecond, Duke snapped a powerful arm over the table, impossibly long fingers curling around Reno’s throat while dragging him across, needing the lad a tad closer.
Reno struggled to get air as Duke’s strong fingers dug into his windpipe, but he still reacted smoothly, swinging his big shit–kickers around, hitting the big Scot square in the belly before scissoring both legs around his torso and squeezing tight.
The room erupted into chaos, curses and fists smashing into flesh as Sean and his brothers took another whack at the Jinn boys.
Duke’s eyes popped when Reno squeezed fiercely, but continued through with his driving fist, slamming into Reno’s cheek.
Neck snapping back, his jaw dislocated and hurting like a jackhammer on a nerve, Reno didn’t break his hold on the big Scot, legs squeezing closed, and leaning up at an impossible angle to pummel Duke’s face, neck, shoulders and gut repeatedly.
Behind Reno came distinct echoes of fists pounding into flesh, furniture smashing and a window or two breaking, but he remained totally focused on Duke McFeerson – Aili’s Da. He wanted to fucking grin, but didn’t have the time.
Unexpectedly, Duke swung sideways, dumping Reno head first on the floor and wrapping his massive arms around both legs to keep the wee lad upside down – out of his fecking element.
Niiice! Aili’s Da knew a trick or two. Maybe not all the tricks as Reno wedged out his knee, forcing Duke to release his iron grip before swinging his shit–kicker upwards to plow him in the face, breaking his nose as blood spattering over both of them.
Dumped on the floor, Reno twisted away, landing on his belly, scrambling for a foothold, clawing at the rug, but all it did was buckle under him. Duke’s hammer fist was gonna fall any second – Reno gritted his teeth and took a quick glance over his shoulder when an angry female roar split the air.
It was a freeze–frame moment as utter silence descended except for lotsa heavy breathing and a few wayward grunts.
Abe, doors thrown wide to her mate’s office, launched into the room so angry she trembled. In shambles, not one piece of furniture made it through their roundhouse fighting, not even the solid wood conference table, now broken down the middle and collapsed inwards. Blood spatter marred the walls, carpets, desk and bookcases. It was a write–off.
Both twins started howling at the same time. Cries of demand. Yes, she’d been interrupted on her way upstairs for feeding time by the tornado in Jericho’s office. At first, she’d assumed it was Mamam or even Daddio. No, neither. It was her mate.
Matty and Fifi edged into the doorway. Silently, Fifi immediately let her tears roll at the destruction. Matty only grinned and eyed Zulu to make sure he was okay. Not that she needed to, but when he wore a loin cloth – she simply couldn’t keep her eyes off him…
It pissed Abe off that – to a male – they were bloodied, battered and wearing huge grins.
Reno’s Hollywood white smile was the biggest.
Abe glared at him. Jericho knew better than this and when he didn't it was Reno's job to keep six on him – not jump in and be a part of it.
Duke bowed formally, but couldn’t help the groan that escaped. “Me apologies, lass.” Then unable to hold back, he laughed heartily. “T’was grand. Haven’t done that in a long while. Me mate never lets me. Says I’m too old.” He slammed a big paw into Reno’s back. “This lad has taught me I’ve got a few years left in me yet. Sorry, if I hurt you any.”