by Unknown
“Shut up. You have no idea how long I’ve been suffering. Now you exhaust me. Go see your grandmother. Ask her these questions. She took over when I couldn’t. Did that make her happy, this woman who did nothing but nag me to pay attention to clan dealings? No. Instead, she left me and moved into a house at the other end of the village. Tomas can show you.” He closed his eyes.
“You humiliated her with your affairs. Of course she left.” Rafe thought about how Grandmother must feel. Making an open break with Grandfather would salvage her pride at least. “Have members of the clan taken sides? If you live, will there be a power struggle?” He could imagine it. If Grandmother could make the village prosperous again, why wouldn’t the people follow her willingly?
“Leave me now. There will be no power struggle. If you don’t help find a cure for this poison, I’m a dead man.” He opened them again. “And think about this. I need you to stay in the village no matter what happens. It’s time for you to take your place here. You said it. We need leadership. Your father won’t leave his demon bride. Tomas is weak, led by his pene, his woman stronger than he is. So you, my boy, are going to have to lead this clan when I am gone. You must.”
Rafe stared down at the old man who he had never expected to look older than thirty. He wanted to argue, shift out of there and take the next plane home. But instead he found himself looking around the room and remembering the years when this man had been the father he’d needed, the man who’d taught him to fight, to shift, to confront a mother who cared more for her fellow demons than she did for the child she kept leaving behind.
“Have you seen a doctor?”
“What good would that do? We’re not human.” Matias opened his eyes and shivered. “Shut the window before you leave. It’s cold in here.” He pulled the sheet up to his neck.
“There are doctors who work on paranormals. I know of some. I will send for one.” Rafe walked over to shut the window, even though the heat in the room was stifling.
“Whatever you wish. It will do no good. I know my time is almost at an end.” His grandfather closed his eyes.
Rafe found a blanket on a chest under the window and spread it over his grandfather.
“Don’t give up, Abuelo.” He couldn’t help himself and squeezed Matias’s foot. “We fight in this clan. You taught me that. I’ll find out who did this and make sure you survive it. But then I’m leaving.”
Chapter Three
Lacy dragged herself out of bed after a sleepless night. Not that there had been much night left after her sister had driven her home. Now it was after two in the afternoon. No wonder she was starving. She sat for a moment on the side of the bed and felt the babies adjust to the new position. She could barely breathe these days. God, but she wondered how she could go another six weeks. The bathroom seemed a mile away but she had to get there. So she dragged herself to her feet and hurried, barely making it to the toilet. Relief.
Then she saw one of Rafe’s socks on the floor. The tears she’d been holding back gave way and she grabbed a towel to hold against her face. Muffling her sobs, she leaned over, letting her grief and fear go. She had to. Feeling sorry for herself and worrying about Rafe weren’t going to help anyone. She had to do something.
“I thought I heard you get up.” Amy stood in the doorway. “Lace, please don’t cry. I’m sure Rafe is safe with his family.”
Lacy looked up then stretched out her hand. When her sister rushed to grab it, she felt better. Family. She knew the comfort her own could give her but had no idea what Rafe had in store with his. He’d made it clear that leaving his “clan” as he called them years ago had been necessary but not why. That was all she’d ever been able to pry out of him. He’d never talked about going back. But he hadn’t hesitated when his brother had asked him to come with him. Of course there’d been guns pointed at him as persuasion.
“He’s strong, able to protect himself, and he didn’t look scared. Yeah, you’re right. I’m sure he’ll be fine.” She looked down at her swollen stomach which stretched her cotton nightgown to the limit. “He’ll be frantic to get back here before the babies are born though. He’s going to be a wonderful father.”
“And husband. You are going to say yes when he gets back, aren’t you?” Amy squeezed her fingers. “He loves you, Lace. Don’t be stupid about this. He’s over his Glory St. Clair fixation.”
“I hope so.” Lacy winced when Amy tightened her hold. “Okay, I know so. He loves me. I’ll marry him. But first I’m going to find out who the hell ratted him out. Clearly Rafe hadn’t wanted to be found by his clan. So there’s a spy here in Austin who told his family his location. I want to know everything there is to know about this shifter clan and where they live. That spy is going to spill it all.”
“Great. Let’s go after him or her. You know who it is?” Amy helped Lacy stand.
“I have a good idea. Go make coffee and sandwiches while I take a shower. Decaf for me. And get out of here. I’m not a pretty sight naked though Rafe didn’t seem to mind seeing me that way.” Lacy held onto the glass shower door.
“And you doubted he loves you?” Amy laughed when Lacy threw a washcloth at her. It hit the floor. “Now I want to see you pick that up, cow.”
“Bitch.” Lacy realized her blue mood was lifting.
“We’re cats, not dogs, Sis. I’m a queen and you know it.” With a hair flip, Amy shut the bathroom door.
Lacy laughed. Her sister had the knack of helping her see the bright side of things. And action would do even more. She turned on the water and stripped off her gown. No way could she pick up that washcloth so she got a fresh one from the bathroom closet. Cow? More like elephant. But, as the babies started a soccer game in her tummy, she realized it was a small price to pay for bringing Rafe’s children into the world.
“Yes, I know where Rafe’s clan lives. I’m one of his cousins. Didn’t he tell you that?” Kira looked around the shop where they both worked. Vintage Vamp’s Emporium on Austin’s trendy Sixth Street was busy in the last few days before Christmas. She was tearing off tags and writing up a sale for a customer who was going through the display of sweaters nearby.
“No. But I heard you two talking in a foreign language. Tell me where his family lives. Have you been communicating with them?” Lacy grabbed Kira’s arm. “Spying for them?”
“Excuse me?” Kira jerked her arm away. “Where’s this coming from?”
“His brother came to my mother’s place last night and took Rafe away. To see his ailing grandfather.” Lacy was suddenly very aware of the mortals in the shop. She smiled and took a dress from a woman who emerged from the dressing room. As long as she was here, she was going to have to work. “How did it fit?”
“Perfect. I’m going to look for some earrings to go with it. Do you have some?” The woman noticed the jewelry case and pointed to a pair locked inside. “Those. I think those would look great.”
“I’ll help her.” Amy stepped behind the counter. “Kira, you look a little, um, pale.”
“Oh, give it up, girlfriend. I don’t get pale.” Kira had dark skin but she did look upset. “Did Tomas say what was wrong with Grandfather?”
“We can’t get into it here.” Lacy knew they had to keep the store open. It was Glory’s shop and they’d promised to hold down the fort while she was on her honeymoon. “What I want to know is if you’re the one who told Tomas that Rafe was here and how to find him.”
“You really think I spied on him? For the clan?” Kira drew herself up to her full height, which was an awesome six feet without the four inch platforms she wore today. “I didn’t.” She turned away to take the sweater the customer handed her and switched on a smile as she added up the total and took the woman’s credit card. Before either Lacy or Kira spoke to each other again, Kira finished her sale and wished the customer a Merry Christmas.
“Then who could it be?” Lacy sagged onto the stool in front of the counter. “Who else would know the family and report to them?”
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“I have a suspicion.” Kira waved her hand around the packed shop. “Seriously, we can’t do this now. Every dressing room is full and I’ve got a customer waving at me from the locked case with the vintage handbags.” She grabbed a key ring. “I know you don’t feel like working, hon. You’re puffing like a beached whale.”
Amy looked up. “She’s right, Lace. You don’t look so good. Go home, put your feet up.”
“Not a chance.” Lacy narrowed her gaze as she watched Kira help a customer select a Gucci bag. “I’m getting a name before I leave here. Do you believe Kira? She and Rafe share a grandfather. Why wouldn’t she send messages home?”
“Maybe she left for the same reason Rafe did. He didn’t tell you what it was?” Amy smiled and took the earrings the customer selected. “Did you see the matching bracelet? I think it would be a wonderful Christmas gift to yourself.” She winked at Lacy. “I always buy myself something when I’m shopping for others.”
“Let me see it. And that other bracelet, the sterling bangle. You two are sisters, aren’t you? That red hair is a dead giveaway.” The customer patted Lacy on the shoulder. “Do what she says, girl, and go home and put your feet up. When’s your due date?”
“February first, but I’m thinking these babies want to come sooner. I’m having triplets.” Lacy rubbed her stomach. Her maternity sweater was showing signs of strain too. She’d be glad when she could get into decent clothes again.
“Multiples? Honey, they always come early. I had twins and they were six weeks early. But my preemies were perfect. You should see them now. Five year old terrors.” She pulled out a cell phone and showed a picture of blond twin boys. “We have great support group for mothers of multiples. You should come after you give birth and things settle down a little. We get together and vent. Make our men babysit so we can have some ‘me’ time.” She dug a card out of her purse. “Call me when you’re ready.”
Lacy tried to read the card but it blurred as she realized what the woman had said. “Early? They could come early? I don’t know whether to pray for that or not. My fiancé is out of town.” Lacy bit her lip. Fiancé. Yes, she was calling Rafe that. She wished he’d left the ring here. If he had, she’d have it on her finger right now.
“I’m sure he’ll be back in time. That group sounds great. She’ll come. I can babysit if Rafe is busy when you meet. He owns N-V, that cool club down the street. Have you been there?” Amy kept chattering away while she wrapped the jewelry the customer had selected. She’d taken the clerking job at the store for the holidays but Lacy hoped she’d stay on while Glory was gone. They were already short-handed and Lacy was planning to take some time off after the babies were born. Amy could fill in for her. If she went into labor early… Oh, the complications were endless.
“Of course. We meet there sometimes. Great cocktails.” The woman whipped out a credit card. “Good luck. Hope your man is home soon.”
“Me, too.” Lacy blinked and refused to let a tear fall.
Kira appeared with the vintage Gucci purse then grabbed one of Lacy’s hands. “Ed. The accountant who works for Rafe at his club. He and I have dated a few times and I know he has ties to the clan too. He’s the only one I can think of who might have reported to them.” She stepped around the counter and hugged Lacy. “He’s a decent guy, Lacy. If he did it, I’m sure he had a good reason.”
“Like what?” Lacy was aware of the many mortals crowded around them. “Three of you from the same, um, family show up in the same Texas town, miles away from home. Which is where exactly?”
“Across the Atlantic. An island off the coast of Spain. One I’m sure you’ve never heard of.” Kira turned when her customer asked for some help. “Be right there. Listen, go see Ed. I’m sure he’s working at the club tonight. If you get answers, I’d like to know what they are too.”
“Off the coast of Spain? Thanks for telling me that much at least.” Lacy knew she sounded bitter as she heaved herself to her feet. “I’ll get out of your way.” She smiled at the customers anxious to get their sales completed. “Merry Christmas, everyone. Thanks for shopping at Vintage Vamp’s.”
“Where are you going? Surely not to the club. You need to rest.” Amy couldn’t leave the counter while she waited for the credit card to go through.
“I have to go to Rafe’s club. Someone has to tell them he’s going to be gone for a while. I guess it’s me. And I want to talk to Ed.” Lacy stopped next to the door as a new customer rushed inside. A cold front had blown in and the air was crisp, much colder than it had been at the wedding the night before.
“Remember, Ed is a decent guy, Lacy. Don’t go all, um, wildcat on him.” Kira smiled, like she was joking, but Lacy got the message.
“I’ll do what I need to. I’m going to get answers, one way or another.” Lacy pulled her black wool cape, the only thing big enough to go around her these days, tight and hurried out the door. She walked down Sixth Street, glad that it was almost dark. The club wasn’t open during the day but there was a happy hour that should be starting about now. It was only a few blocks down the street but by the time she saw the neon sign that said “N-V”, she was out of breath and wondering if the babies were about to fall out on their own. It would almost be a relief.
Ed wasn’t at the door, which was sometimes his duty, but the man there waved her in. As Rafe’s lady, she was always welcome. Lacy looked around and saw that the bar and the free “build your own nachos” buffet were doing a lively business. Nachos. She could go for some of those. She headed over, loaded a plate and caught the bartender’s eye. He brought her the usual--a glass of milk--and settled her at a quiet table away from the singles scene ramping up at the bar.
“You happen to know where I could find Ed?” Lacy shoveled in a loaded nacho and sighed in contentment. The babies were used to spicy food. She’d had cravings for chips, jalapenos and bean dip for a solid month.
“He’s in back working on the books. You want me to send for him?”
“Thanks. I need to talk to him. If you don’t mind.” Lacy took a gulp of milk. Her stomach gurgled and she wondered if she should switch to water.
“No problem.” The bartender hurried back to the bar and picked up the phone there.
Lacy had polished off the nachos and milk and was thinking about asking for a bottle of water when Ed came out from the office tucked under the balcony nearby. The club had been carved out of a vintage building with several floors. The high ceilings made for great acoustics and the disc jockey had cranked up the music for the bar crowd. Lacy wished she could tell him to dial it down. Her head was pounding and the nachos weren’t settling like they usually did.
Ed was big, dark and dangerous looking. It was a great look when he was on door duty and needed to discourage a bad element from entering the club. He was also a brilliant accountant and, to quote Kira, a nice guy. His hobby of dressing as Aretha Franklin and doing a killer “Chain of Fools” only made him more interesting. The fact that he was a shape-shifter who liked to shift into a gorilla just added to his resume. Rafe had talked about making Ed his assistant manager. Damn it.
“Hey. Where’s the boss man?” He sat across from her when Lacy gestured.
“Gone. His brother came last night and strong-armed him into returning to his family. You know anything about that?” Lacy didn’t miss the slight tightening around Ed’s lips. She leaned forward. “You do! You sack of shit. You’ve been spying on him.” Her fingernails morphed into claws which dug into the wooden tabletop.
“Calm down, Lacy. I admit I may have sent a message or two back to Matias. It was my duty.” Ed leaned back but not quite out of reach.
“Fuck that. Rafe gave you a good job here. Responsibilities. He trusted you, Ed.” Lacy’s voice broke even while she grabbed his arm and held onto it. He didn’t wince. She had to give him points for that, but she knew her claws were drawing blood. He glanced around to make sure no one was paying attention to them.
“You want to take thi
s to Rafe’s office?”
“Why? So you can go gorilla on my ass? No thank you. We’ll stay right here where I have witnesses.” Lacy released him but made sure he knew she wasn’t going to let him leave the table. “If I have to shift in front of a room full of mortals, I sure as hell will. I want answers and I want them now.”
“Now you know you’re not going to do that. Just calm down. I do appreciate him and all he’s done for me. I promise you, he’s not in danger, Lacy.” Ed’s calm voice made her want to scratch a path down his lean cheeks.
“Don’t you dare try to humor me! Why did you tell the people in this clan Rafe belongs to how to find him? Seems like if he wanted to communicate with those folks, he would have. And now, when he’s about to become a father, they’ve dragged him off to God knows where. Because of your spying!” Lacy felt on the verge of tears but sucked them back. No way was she crying.
“I did what I had to do. For Matias, that’s Rafe’s grandfather. I owed him. There aren’t that many shifters left. This is about the survival of the clan.” Ed leaned closer, his voice soft. Of course Lacy could hear him, even though the music was loud and the customers crowding the bar were getting raucous as they hit hard the three dollar Margarita special.
“You and Kira are dark, Rafe is white. Are you all three part of the same clan? And you didn’t answer my question. Why, Ed? Rafe broke ties with his family. You should have asked him if he wanted to be found.” Lacy picked up a paper napkin and blotted her cheeks. Damned pregnancy hormones. She didn’t cry. She sniffed and shot him a look that made him sit back and widen his eyes. That was better. She wasn’t going to shed one more damned tear.
“Kira and I come from an offshoot of the clan in North Africa. She’s a cousin to Rafe, I am not.” Ed ran a hand through his short hair. “Shit. None of that matters. I did what I had to do. I respect Rafe, I do. You’re right. He’s been good to me since I came to this town. I owe him. But I wouldn’t have come to Austin at all if not for an obligation I owed to Matias. The man saved my father’s life a long time ago. He can call in a favor and I must do as he wills. It’s clan law. I can’t refuse. So I came here and began to report to Matias about his grandson. I am not proud to spy as you call it. I count Rafe as a friend now. It makes me sick to betray his trust.”