Milo slid in beside Courtney in the back, leaving Tad to get behind the wheel. They needed to get off the clan’s land and back to the hotel before Christian and his followers decided it was an opportune time to deal with Calvin.
“Shouldn’t we warn Calvin?” Courtney asked.
“No. It’s their business. If he had control of his clan, he wouldn’t allow this to happen. He knows their intention so if he’s strong enough to keep his position he’ll be ready. Otherwise, another Alpha will be in control of the clan by morning.” Milo watched out the window as the SUV sped away.
“You’re not bothered about his death?”
“It is our way.” He smoothed his hand over her leg. “When you take a position in power, you know the risks. If an Elder does not have the authority to keep his members under control, he has two options—step down, or fight to the death. If he steps down, he’ll keep his life as long as he doesn’t interfere with the new ruler.”
“It’s so barbaric.” She tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear. “Wouldn’t it be easier if there were a vote to elect a new leader?”
“I love how liberated you are, my love.” Tad smiled back at her in the rear view mirror. “We’re too old fashioned for that.”
Milo wrapped his arm around her, snuggling her against his body. Loss was a part of life, maybe more so since they were shifters. Even with death all around him, it made him sad that within hours his friend would lose his life because he was too stubborn to see the truth. Milo never thought Calvin would have made a good Alpha, and was surprised a clan the size of Minnesota followed him. Still, seeing him crumble was disappointing.
“Are you okay?”
“My ever caring mate.” He ran his hand down her arm. “I was just thinking about the Calvin I knew years ago. He’s not the same man anymore. He’s so broken there’s almost nothing left.”
* * *
Night had fallen over Minnesota, bringing the bright skyline, and Courtney stood there taking it all in. Milo had been reserved since returning to the hotel. The tension poured along the connection into each of them, forcing them to deal with his dark mood.
Tad came up behind her, his arms wrapping around her waist until his body was tight against her back. “Give him time, he’ll work through it.”
She nodded, placing her hands over his, lacing their fingers together. “I know, it’s just hard to see him suffer and there’s nothing I can do.”
“Losing a friend from childhood is difficult, especially when they have the chance to save themselves and do nothing.”
“Isn’t there anything we can do?”
“I’m afraid not, love.” He hugged her tighter.
They stood there, each of them locked in their own sadness, while on the other side of town Calvin might be dying. It was a rude awakening to this new world. Would she lose her men like this one day?
“Tad…” The words caught in her throat.
“What, love?”
“Could it come to this one day for us? Will I lose you as Tina will lose Calvin tonight?”
“Tina and Calvin are not mated.”
She thought back to Tina’s expression when she looked at Calvin, the devotion, the pain over what he was doing to himself. There was something between them. “But I saw such adoration in her eyes.”
“That might be so, and she might love him on some level, but they are not mated.”
“You didn’t answer my first question.”
He spun her around to look at him. “I can’t tell you it will never come to that. Shifters live long lives, as do their mates even if they are human. The mating bond ties you to our life span. That being said, many things change through the years. Milo and I are not in the position Calvin is in. Milo is one of the Elder guards, so he’s in danger on missions, protecting the Elders, and many other clan activities, but there wouldn’t be any challenges to the death.”
“What about you?”
“Taber and Thorben are the first born, so they’re destined to take over my sleuth when our father steps down. If they choose not to, it would fall on me. For now, that isn’t an issue. Now I’m helping Ty and Tabitha with whatever they need. Yes, that means I’m in the same danger as Milo, but like him there’d never be a challenge to my life because I don’t rule over anyone.” He ran his hand through her hair and cupped the back of her head. “There’s nothing to worry about, we’re going to be with you for a long time.”
Every ounce of her wanted to believe him. She could feel the truth in his words, but that little voice in her head screamed she could lose them. It was amazing how in such a short time not only had she fallen completely in love with them, but she couldn’t picture her life without them.
Chapter Eighteen
Milo sat in the chair he’d pulled close to the window as he debated whether or not to call his Elders while his mates slept peacefully in the bed. He’d been putting it off, but Ty needed a report. The lights decorating the sky bounced off Courtney’s naked body as she snuggled tightly against Tad. Milo had done his best to join them, but the thoughts racing in his mind wouldn’t quit.
The Elders had depended on him to get the Minnesota Tigers on board as an ally. Instead, he wondered if their presence had made things worse for Calvin. Everything in him wanted to go back to the complex and knock some sense into Calvin. That idiot would rather die than give up his position.
His cell phone vibrated in his hand, a text message lighting the screen. Report. Received word of gunfire in Minnesota. Unable to wait, he slipped from the bedroom and called Ty.
“Is everyone okay?” Ty demanded.
“We’re at the hotel.”
“Then you’re unaware there’s something going on at the complex.”
Loyalty to Ty had him explaining things as if they didn’t matter to him. “Unaware wouldn’t be the right word. Calvin is in no position to govern the clan. Either our presence provoked this, or it was a coincidence, regardless it seems there will be a new Alpha in charge of Minnesota by morning.”
“Then you should return until things have calmed.”
“As we were leaving our meeting with Calvin, there was an incident.”
“Incident?”
“We were cornered by a group of the male clan members, and Christian seemed to be in charge. He warned us this didn’t involve us. Which is when I explained we wanted nothing to do with it, we were only there representing Tabitha. He made it clear there’d be a new ruler by morning and asked me to stay to meet with him.”
Ty made a displeased noise that had Milo rethinking things for a moment. “I don’t like you there when things are still unsettled within the clan, especially with Courtney. If you walk into a trap, she’s an easy target.”
“We’re very aware of that, but I don’t believe we’re in any harm. If I believed she was in danger, we’d already be on our way back home.” Milo leaned against the sofa in the small living room off the bedroom. “I believe the clan is already following Christian. The men with him were looking to him for guidance. I’m under the impression Calvin’s been having some issues with his clan for a while. It’s gotten difficult enough that he barricaded himself on the third floor.”
“Interesting. It doesn’t make sense that he wanted someone to come to him to discuss joining us if he knew there was such an uproar with his followers.”
“Actually, he had hopes to blackmail us into forcing his members to follow him. Either that or he wouldn’t commit to Tabitha. He believed we needed his clan enough that we’d do this for him.”
Ty’s deep laughter seeped through the line, lightening Milo’s heart for a moment. “I hope you told him…”
“That we’d do no such thing. If you’ll allow us to stay here I believe I might be able to get Christian as an ally.”
“Very well. If you need additional backup, give me a call. I know Theodore is already there, and there’s others I can call who are closer to your location and are loyal to us if you need them.”
“Thank you. I’ll be in touch when I have more information, and hopefully good news.” Milo felt the weight being lifted off his shoulders with his Alpha’s anger no longer a possibility. “If I may ask, how did you become aware of gunfire at the complex?”
“I told you there are those loyal to us. Minnesota has a number of members who are devoted to Tabitha, and if their Alpha doesn’t commit they’re willing to leave the clan to come here or to another devoted clan.” The happiness was clear in Ty’s voice. “My mate has many supporters for her cause. Unfortunately, some of them are in hiding because of their own Elders, but with time hopefully that can be changed.”
“I had no doubt Tabitha would take the tigers by storm. We couldn’t have chosen a better person to do what she’s going to do if we were able to pick.”
Ty laughed again. “Hurry back. Kallie and the women are planning a welcome dinner for Courtney. They want to make her feel at home with all she’s been through.”
“Have things been taken care of with Lisa?”
“Yes. Hazel wiped her memories. Kenneth and his family are now Lisa’s neighbors, which worked out nicely since we needed a place to put Kenneth so we could keep an eye on him. With him knowing our secret, he might be valuable to us. Also, Hazel and Tate are currently staying at the Browns’ island, until they can determine what to do.”
The bedroom door opened, letting light in from the window, revealing Courtney. “Are you coming back to bed?”
Ty must have heard her. “Go back to your mates. She’ll have a life she couldn’t have without you, so never doubt that fate did the right thing by making her your destiny. Don’t feel guilty. Jeffery would have killed her if you and Tad hadn’t been there. Remember that next time the remorse returns.” With that, Ty hung up.
The Alpha was always in tune with the members of the clan. The stronger the connection and devotion, the stronger the Alpha’s bond, which explained why Ty knew what Milo was going through.
He locked the phone screen and looked at Courtney. Her body was wrapped only in a sheet, making him instantly hard. He held out a hand to her, and without hesitation she came to him and pressed her body against his.
“Is everything all right?”
“Ty only wanted an update.” He reassured her, enjoying the feel of her body against his.
“That isn’t what I meant.” She pulled back enough to look at him. “We’ve all been through a lot these last few days.”
He nodded. “You more than any of us.”
“See, I was going to say you more than any of us.” She pressed a finger against his lips before he could remind her of Jeffery, Lisa, and all the shit they’d overcome. “I don’t need to be reminded. Let’s just say you’re feeling it the most. The guilt over what had to be done before we came here, now the loss of Calvin. Everyone makes choices in life, and when those decisions are made people have to live with it. Calvin made his, and we have to make ours. Letting Calvin tear you apart like this isn’t healthy. Instead, let me show you how much you mean to me.” She let the sheet drop away from her body.
His shaft hardened, straining against the thin material of the shorts he’d thrown on when he got out of bed. She dropped to her knees before him, sliding her hand down the front of the shorts to take hold of his manhood. Gently tugging it out, her hand caressed the length of him.
“Love.” He tried to pull her back up to him.
“Let me.” She leaned forward, kissing the tip of him before letting him slip between her lips. Taking him between her lips, her hand worked at the base, and he tangled his hand in the strands of her hair, holding her close.
Her mouth worked up and down the length of him, milking the life out of him. Each move made him weak.
“No.” He nearly screamed, when all he wanted to do was let her finish. Her gaze drifted up to him. “Not like this, I want to be inside you.”
She let him slip from her mouth, and he pulled her up, lifting her to the back of the sofa, his fingers pulling her legs apart until he had the access he needed. His tiger refused to wait, and with one powerful thrust he slid into her welcoming opening. She was tight without the foreplay, making each thrust full of contact both pleasurable and painful.
His teeth grazed along her neck as he worked himself deeper into her, her cries of frustration filling the room, mixing with his own moans. With each thrust, his heart sped with need and desire.
“Milo.” She clenched her legs tightly around him.
He pressed his lips over hers, claiming her cries with his mouth. Their breath became ragged as he rocked in and out, finding the perfect rhythm, bringing ecstasy within reach. His balls tightened with need, and he held his breath, waiting for her to find her release before he allowed himself his own.
“Oh, Milo.” She screamed, throwing her head back as she tightened around him and her body exploded with pleasure. He continued to drive his shaft into her, until with one final slam home his own release followed.
He held her against his body, his shaft still nestled deep within her as they calmed.
* * *
Her breath had just begun to return, when a throat cleared behind them.
“I sleep, and the two of you are having fun without me.” Tad stood in the doorway, his arms crossed over his chest, his own member standing at attention, a smile teasing the corners of his lips.
“Come to me.” She whispered and Milo moved to the side.
“I’m not sure I can live up to the performance I just witnessed.” He came to stand in front of her, his hands finding her hips.
“There’s no judging.”
He quickly lifted her off the sofa and lowered her onto his shaft, before spinning around to press her back against the wall. “Still, I’ll do my best to make sure my mate is pleased.” He lowered his head into the nook of her shoulder, trailing a line of kisses along it until he reached her mouth. Claiming her lips, he held her and drove himself into her.
He intensified the pace, driving the tempo fast with each pump. The thrusts became deeper and faster, moving with precision.
Tension stretched her tighter until she came.
“Tad!” Tipping her head back, she cried out, digging her nails into his back, arching her body into his. He pumped twice more and shouted her name. Exhausted, she sagged against the wall and Tad’s body.
“I think we wore her out.” Tad glanced back at Milo, clearly satisfied with himself.
“Yes. Bed. Cuddle,” she demanded between gasps for breath.
Chapter Nineteen
Loud banging woke Courtney from a deep sleep. She grumbled in annoyance. They hadn’t slept very much, and their bodies weren’t used to the time change. Opening her eyes, she glanced at the red glowing numbers of the bedside clock; it was just after seven o’clock in the morning.
“Stay in bed, I’ll deal with it.” Milo kissed her cheek before slipping out from under the sheet.
“It’s Quinn.” Tad mumbled.
“I can deal with the black panther, and his anger.” Milo pulled on a pair of jeans. “There’s no use in all of us getting out of bed.”
“I don’t believe Quinn will see it that way.”
“Well, I for one don’t care. You’re staying in bed with me.” Courtney ran her hand along Tad’s chest, and Milo’s jealousy poured over them. “Hey, you’re the one who offered to get the door.” She snuggled into Tad.
“The sacrifices I make for the two of you.” Milo left with a huff.
“We’re going to owe him for this.” Tad ran his hand along her spine in lazy strokes.
“He offered.”
“True, but Quinn is pissed at us and Milo’s willing to take the brunt of the anger so we can stay cuddled in bed.”
Knowing Milo’s intention made her make a mental note to reward him later. “It’s unfair he should have to deal with it alone.” She slipped out of bed, grabbing a robe as she went. “I’m going out there.”
“I thought we were going to stay and keep the bed warm
.” He stood and slipped into his jeans.
“I can’t believe you! You went against everything I told you.” A deep voice cut through the air as Courtney and Tad stepped into the living room.
“Courtney, meet a very irritated U.S. Marshal, Quinn Evans,” Tad said.
“Irritated?” Quinn snapped. “No, I’m beyond that. I’m livid! How dare you two?”
“I would suggest you keep your voice down if you don’t want the neighbors to hear you.” Milo sat on the sofa, watching Quinn, allowing him to have a fit before attempting to defend himself.
“I told you I needed him alive and you don’t listen. Now his accomplice is on the verge of walking free.”
“We did what we had to do, you’ve read the reports.” Tad followed her around the sofa to Milo.
“I should bring you both up on charges.”
Courtney narrowed her eyes and glared at him. “How do you plan to do that when Sheriff Lutz and, at the time, deputized Devon Brown have already stated it was done in order to save the sheriff’s life? Would you have preferred another person be killed just to keep your case alive?”
“Finding them gave you spirit, Ms. Mathews.”
“Jeffery had too many dead bodies in his trail, and no one was able to stop him before. Why do you think that trial would have been any different? With an eye witness, and DNA evidence, he was still out on bond harassing me.” She took Milo and Tad’s hands in hers. “From where I’m standing, they did what needed to be done to save not only the sheriff and Devon’s lives, but also mine, and anyone else that crossed Jeffery. They should be rewarded, not hounded because of your case.”
“You do not understand the families need justice,” Quinn argued.
“They got their justice with his death. He can’t hurt anyone else. You’re just pissed this case slipped through your fingers because it could’ve made your career.”
“Where was this courage of yours when he was hunting you down like a deer?” Quinn scowled at her.
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