by Unknown
“Shut up, Nico.” Tomas jerked the car to a stop at a red light. “Lucia is plenty of woman for any man.” He glanced at Rafe. “And she gave me fine children. I saw that cat is carrying. Yours?”
“Yes.” Rafe gave his brother a hard look. “I know what you’re thinking. Whatever they are, I will accept and raise them.”
“Grandfather will never have another half breed in the camp. You were bad enough but at least your mama was a higher level demon so you brought something special to the table. But a were-cat?” Tomas glanced back at his men and let out a cat-like howl. “Pobrecito. Grandfather will never let you keep her.”
Lacy paced the floor. “I can’t believe they just dragged him out of here.” She turned when the front door flew open, sagging when it was just her sister, Amy.
“Well, you don’t have to look so disappointed. Are you wearing it? The ring?” She snatched Lacy’s hand. “What the hell? Has Rafe proposed yet or not?”
“He made it clear he wants to marry you.” Lacy’s mother jumped up from her seat on the couch in front of the fireplace. “I’m pleased you obviously turned him down.” She grabbed Lacy and kissed her cheek. “A marriage would be unthinkable. You will have the babies of course. We will be happy to raise them here in the safety of the family. But then you must take a suitable mate. Leo--”
“You can’t possibly think to start that again. Not now.” Lacy threw off her mother’s hands. “I love Rafe. We fight. So what? All lovers fight. At least around here.” She sank down in an upholstered chair and, to her horror, burst into tears.
“Lacy!” Her sister sat on the chair’s padded arm next to her. “What happened? Did he propose?”
“Yes.” Lacy took the tissue from the box her mother threw into her lap. It was all the sympathy she’d get from Mama and she knew it. “After Glory was safely married to Blade. I told Rafe to shove it.”
“No!” Amy punched her on the arm and got up to sit beside her mother on the couch. “How stupid can you be? He loves you. We went ring shopping together. He wanted you to have the perfect ring. It’s vintage just like you wanted and the diamond! Enormous. Did you at least get to see it?”
“Yes.” Fresh tears. Of course she’d seen it. It had been perfect. Exactly what she would have picked for herself. Did that mean he really did love her? Would have married her even if Glory St. Clair had suddenly dumped Blade and come running to Rafe for a hot reunion? Lacy buried her face in a wad of tissues. Who was she kidding? Glory had powers, first dibs, a lot of things she would never have. And years of history with Rafe.
“Stop it.” Amy was next to her again, her hand on Lacy’s shoulder. “I bet you’re comparing yourself to Glory. Have you looked in a mirror lately? You’re beautiful, smart and any guy would be lucky to have you.”
“I’m carrying forty pounds of kittens in my lap, which has disappeared completely. I can’t see my feet and I’ll probably have stretch marks. As a bonus my hair is falling out.” Lacy heard her mother sigh. “What?”
“I gave you that cream to rub on your stomach. You should use it.” Her mother got up and pulled Lacy to her feet. “You need to go to bed. Give yourself a chance to rest. That man is gone now and his absence will give you time to see things clearly, without all of your cat-passions clouding your mind.” She smiled. “Oh yes, I know your blood runs hot, my sweet girl. But be wise. Don’t tie yourself to him just because you let your hormones rule your heart.”
“Mama…” Lacy knew her face was flaming. She was in no mood for this lecture which she’d heard too many times now. Of course she was passionate. So was Rafe. They set the sheets on fire when they were together. Just thinking about being with him made her thighs clench.
“Oh, I can’t stand to look at you. Go ahead. Pine away for your lover.” Her mother stepped back when she noticed Lacy’s claws were showing. “But, trust me, tomorrow everything will look better. And the longer Rafael is away, the easier it will be for you to see that he is wrong for you.” She held up her hand, her own claws showing now. “One last thing. I don’t mind Glory, even if she is a vampire, since I believe she’s been fair to you. But if her relationship with Rafael worries you, quit the job in her shop and cut ties.”
“No, I like my job. I’m the manager and she’s leaving tonight for her honeymoon. She counts on me to keep the shop running smoothly while she’s gone. I’m even cat-sitting for her. Boogie is at my house, our house, right now.” Fresh tears. That had to stop. “I’m going home. Where I live with Rafe. I do love him and I’m going to marry him as soon as he gets back.” Lacy kissed her mother’s cheek. Of course Mama was frowning now. “I want to know how his brother found him here. Someone tracked him and I think I know who did.”
“Uh oh. I see that look. Are you on the warpath now?” Amy grinned. “Okay, I know, not funny. But surely Rafe’s family won’t hurt him. If his grandfather is dying, Rafe may want to say good-bye. Has he told you about his past? His life in the clan?”
“No. He left there long ago. They had a falling out. That’s why they had to drag him back, I guess. So I don’t like the fact that someone we trusted was obviously sent to Austin from wherever the hell his home is to spy on him.” Lacy stepped closer to the fireplace. “Can you drive me to my apartment, Amy? I’m worn out from shifting and cold.”
“You should have dressed more sensibly tonight in something a little warmer, darling.” Her mother picked up a throw and draped it around her shoulders.
“I wanted to look good for this wedding.” Lacy sighed. Foolish of her. Glory had been radiant and Rafe had watched her walk down the aisle with love in his eyes. He insisted it was a friend’s love. She had to believe him or turn into a jealous shrew.
“You look beautiful even if more appropriate for a June wedding instead of a winter one. And I’m sure you outshone the bride even with forty pounds of precious babies in your stomach.” Her mother smiled, as usual reading her motives accurately. “Go. Take care of your boss’s cat and sleep. We’ll talk more later.” She nodded at Amy. “Drive her home.”
“Sure. Maybe I’ll spend the night. That okay with you, sis?” Amy picked up car keys from a table by the door.
“Yes, I’d like the company.” Lacy shivered again. Where was Rafe now? How were they getting there and what was his family like? How far away was this mysterious shifter territory? They hadn’t talked about his past and she hadn’t pushed. Which she now realized was a mistake. But she suspected she knew exactly who could and would give her answers. First thing tomorrow she was getting some. Or that spy was going to regret ever coming to Austin and worming into their lives.
Chapter Two
“What the hell has happened here?” Rafe had had the long plane ride to think about his home. He’d pictured the neat village with his grandfather’s large lodge near the center. Dozens of houses surrounded the stone three-story building that was not only his grandfather’s home, but the meeting place for the shifter clan. Now, looking around, Rafe barely recognized it.
“Grandfather has been ill a long time. And you sure weren’t around to see to things.” Tomas wouldn’t look at him. He put the van in park and turned off the engine.
“What were you doing?” Rafe stepped out and looked around. There was trash in the courtyard. One of the houses had obviously burned down and the charred remains hadn’t been cleared away. This would never have been tolerated before he’d left. Roofs had missing shingles, paint was peeling and more than one had sagging shutters. He felt like he’d stumbled upon a village that was suffering from hard times, not the prosperous place he’d expected.
“I was busy.” Obviously glad for the distraction, Tom laughed when a beautiful woman ran into him, wrapping her arms around him.
“You took long enough. Where was this brother of yours, Antarctica?” She pulled Tom’s face down for a kiss, then twisted his ear. “Or did you spend some time enjoying yourself before you looked for him?”
“Lucia, this is Rafael.” Tom dragged her arou
nd the car to meet him. “He was in Texas, if you can believe it. Right where we were told he would be. Have you looked at a map? It took a while to get there and back. Then we had to track him down.”
Rafe nodded to Tom’s wife. “A pleasure to meet you, Lucia. We’ve been on the plane for hours. It’s good to have solid ground beneath my feet.” When they’d finally arrived in Santa Cruz, he’d been startled by the change in the once sleepy island. It was now a bustling tourist destination. “What’s happened to this village? Why is it like this when the rest of Tenerife seems to be flourishing?”
“Ask your grandfather that question.” Lucia looked Rafe over, clinging to Tomas like she would never let him go, her chin up. “Are you ready to see him or do you wish to rest first? I have a guest room ready for you in the main house.”
Rafe stayed where he was, not surprised by the woman’s cold look. Nothing had changed here. He’d never felt welcome. The last time he’d seen the old man they’d exchanged bitter words and he’d left vowing never to come back. He still couldn’t believe Matias had sent for him. He glanced around again. The clan obviously needed leadership but it wasn’t his responsibility, damn it. He mentally braced himself for the coming meeting then nodded.
“Take me to the old man. I might as well get this over with.” He winced when Tom slapped him on the back.
“That’s the spirit. Face him like a man.” Tom sighed. “Even sick as he is, I bet you a hundred euros that he has you begging to come back and serve him before you know it. Grandfather has always been a master manipulator.”
Rafe had a feeling the bet was a good one. He’d run because his grandfather had terrified him. He’d known that if he’d stayed he would have spent eternity doing the old man’s bidding and would have never become his own man. “Euros?”
“It’s our currency now. You’ve been gone way too long, bro.” Tom started to slap him on the back again but stopped at the look Rafe gave him. “Follow me. We’ve got Grandfather set up in a ground floor bedroom. He can’t make the stairs to the master now.”
“You’re kidding.” Rafe followed Tom into the main building. His grandfather had always ruled from his master suite. It featured a huge bed with carved animals that had frightened him when he’d been a small child. As he’d grown, he’d loved to hear the stories his grandfather had told about the mythological creatures pictured in the carvings. When Tom opened the door to what had been the study, the smell of medicine and urine hit him hard. He had to swallow to keep from gagging.
“Sorry, but he’s lost control of some of his functions.” Lucia hurried ahead of them. They heard a sharp slap and rapid Spanish. A servant girl with a red cheek hurried out with dirty linens, her head down. Lucia stuck her head out into the hall. “Give us a minute to clean him up.”
“I can’t--” Rafe stepped back toward the living room, at a loss. Five long minutes passed before he heard a voice he had never forgotten.
“Get the hell in here, boy.”
Rafe stepped inside the darkened room. Lucia threw a fresh sheet over the wasted body in the narrow bed and hurried out. She patted Rafe’s shoulder as she went by then whispered something to her husband.
“Uh, would you like to be left alone?” Tom sidled toward the door.
“Leave us.” Grandfather didn’t sound as weak as he looked, his once robust frame obviously down to skin and bones.
“Yes, sir.” Tom stepped outside and closed the door.
“Do you want some fresh air?” Rafe didn’t wait for an answer, just walked over and pulled aside one of the heavy curtains and unlocked a window. He raised it a foot and took a deep breath. How could his grandfather stand it in here?
“Quit fussing and stand beside me where I can see you.” The order was in a softer tone this time. “It’s been a long time, Rafael.”
“Yes, sir.” Rafe moved to stand beside the bed. He looked down at the man who he remembered as strong, virile, and invincible. The change was shocking. Sallow face, sunken cheekbones and dark circles under his eyes, Grandfather looked like he didn’t have long to live. Rafe swallowed and blinked, appalled to find that he was tearing up.
“Man up. You going to weep over me like a woman?” Grandfather coughed and sounded like he was strangling. Rafe looked around and found a carafe of water and empty glass nearby. He filled the glass and helped his grandfather sit up to drink. When the coughing fit subsided, he laid him back down and wiped his grandfather’s streaming eyes with a tissue.
“Are you okay?” Rafe set the glass back down. They were speaking English. Which was a surprise. His grandfather usually lapsed into the Old Language, a mixture of Spanish and something else Rafe had never bothered to identify. He guessed the old man was trying to please him. No, not possible. Matias Castillo never pleased anyone but himself.
“What do you think?” Matias waved a thin hand. “Don’t answer that. I know I look like shit. I’m dying, boy. Otherwise, I never would have sent for you. You made it clear more than a century ago that you don’t want to be here.” He cleared his throat. “It’s a hell of a thing but I need you.”
“Dying? How did this happen? Who did it?” Rafe pulled up a chair and sat. His knees were jelly. Seeing the old man like this… Matias had raised him, been more of a father to him than his own ever had. Yes, they’d had differences. It was what happened when two men with strong personalities tried to share a home.
“I have an idea.” Matias managed a rueful smile. Silver whiskers and thinning gray hair. Another reason for Rafe to freak out. Shifters didn’t go gray or lose their hair.
“Tell me. I will bring this man to justice. I swear it.” Rafe laid his hand over his grandfather’s. The fact that his skin was cool and thin as parchment made him try to will his own heat and vitality into it. “What do you know?”
“Poison is a woman’s tool. And this started because of a woman.” Grandfather’s chuckle was rusty. “I always did have lusty urges, much to your grandmother’s disgust and dismay. Shiloh is a beauty, belongs to the shifter clan that makes its base in Western Morocco.” He sighed and closed his eyes. “Hot blooded. I never could resist…” He glanced at Rafe. “Tomas says you are involved with a were-cat. Is that true?”
“Yes. We’re going to marry. She’s carrying my children, three of them.” Rafe dared his grandfather to start in on that.
“Children. Ah. You are a lusty lad too.” A short bark of laughter that ended in another coughing fit was all the reaction Rafe got. “Well now. That can be good or bad. Depending on what she gives you. But you know that. You always did what you wanted, damn the consequences. Too much like me, Rafael. I’m sure this cat is a beauty. Eh?”
“Yes, she is.” Rafe wanted to get back to why he’d been dragged here. “The poison, Grandfather. How--”
“How did it work on me? Damned if I know. We’ve sent men everywhere, looking for an antidote. There must be one. But so far, no luck.” His dark eyes had sunk into his skull but they were sharp as ever. “Your children could be the future of this clan, Rafael.”
“No, they couldn’t.” Rafe saw his grandfather’s mouth tighten. He wasn’t going to get into this now. “About this woman. Why would she poison you? What about Grandmother? Is she all right?”
“Iliana is fine, just furious over the affair. It’s not my first, of course, or even my hundredth. Your grandmother is used to my roving eye. She chooses to ignore it for the good of the clan. I’m discreet for the same reason. There have been many of these little itches that I have scratched. Usually a generous gift of jewelry or gold will see the thing finished with the other woman happy enough to go away quietly. But this time…”
“You picked the wrong woman.” Rafe looked down at his own clenched fists. This was why he’d never married. Tying himself to Lacy meant he’d have to be faithful. Could he do it? Forever? The men in his family didn’t have a good track record. He needed to decide that he could and would if he wanted to give his children a true family.
He’d
grown up with a father who had sired children with several women because Rafe’s mother had left the clan to return to her demon family. Tomas’ mother was a clan beauty who had been one of his father’s mistresses. Tomas had always tried to gain their father’s attention without success. Finally Emiliano had decided he couldn’t live without Rafe’s beautiful demon mother and had abandoned his children and the clan forever. Rafe looked up at his grandfather’s sigh.
“Of course she was wrong. I was blinded by her beauty. I kept the affair going when I should have left her, paid her off and moved on. But Shiloh became demanding. Yes, she liked her jewels, money. But she wanted more.” Grandfather looked away, staring at the shelves full of books that filled his study. His antique desk had obviously been moved out to make room for the hospital bed he lay in.
“What, Grandfather?”
“She wanted me to put your grandmother aside and become my mate. Stupid bitch.” He finally looked at Rafe. “I’ve been with your grandmother for millennia. We have always ruled our family and this clan together. I would never set Iliana aside.” He started coughing again. “Some would say I deserve a lingering death for my sins.”
Rafe didn’t disagree. His grandfather’s infidelities weren’t news to him. He’d heard the gossip when he’d lived here. Instead of blasting the old man for failing to keep his cock in his pants, he stood. “Where is Grandmother? Maybe she finally decided enough is enough. You sure she didn’t commission this poison herself?”
“Settle down, boy. Your grandmother would never jeopardize the clan by leaving it without a strong leader. I may be a ‘faithless asshole’, her words, but I do keep the clan strong.”
“Do you? Why is this place looking like it was abandoned a century ago? I can’t believe what I saw when we drove in. Obviously no one is overseeing the upkeep of the village. Are you having money trouble? Can’t you afford to pay for repairs?” Rafe paced the length of the bed and back.