“While we search for them. Orion,” Barry nodded to the door and pulled Betsy back so Orion could open it. “The three of us will help you do both, Betsy. We’re not going anywhere. What is important to you is also important to us now. There is no us without you.” He placed his finger over her lips, stopping her words.
“We know it will take time for you to get used to us, and for us to get used to having you around, but we are meant to be together, fates have decreed it and I for one do not want to mess with them.” He tapped her nose and watched her frown.
“The fates? They’re real and you know them? Now I know I’m over my head here,” Betsy said and stepped inside as soon as Orion opened the door for her.
“I’ve met two of them. Quiet nice, as long as you don’t piss them off. This is bigger than it looks.” Barry stated looking at the grand entrance to the house. He moved into the family area with Betsy. “I love that wall with the fireplace. I can see the children’s stockings hanging there for Santa Claus,” he teased, nudging Betsy with his shoulder, but that’s when he noticed the tears rolling down her cheeks and his heart seemed to seize up.
“What? What’s wrong?” Barry stepped in front of her. Orion moved to cover her back while Davis checked the rooms.
“It’s me, everything is fine,” Betsy said putting her small hand on his shoulder before moving around him to the fireplace. “I think it’s going to take one of those Christmas miracles I’ve heard of to find my babies. Did you know I didn’t even get a chance to hold them? They were cut out of me and taken away?” Betsy ran her hand over the fireplace mantle.
“I lucked out and heard my father talking about getting back my children, just to see if they had a drop of my mother’s blood in them, but they were never lucky enough to find them. He couldn’t even remember where they had been left Hell, they could be dead, but I would know if they were. Wouldn’t I?” She glanced back at him, lost and looking for an answer. For some kind of hope.
“There is always hope and my mother always told me a Mother knows if her child is hurt or dead. We lost my brother a while back and she knew it almost immediately,” Orion stated, stepping to her side and placing a kiss on top of her head. “In the mean time, we can fix this place up the four of us. Make it ours.”
She stared at him for a minute than her gaze went to Davis and then to Barry, before shaking her head and staring down at the floor. “You’re wanting something I don’t think I can give you. I’ve never been with a man who didn’t force himself on me and...” Betsy looked down at her hands. “I’m not pretty. Scars cover my body.” Betsy lifted her gaze to him. “Maybe there’s been a mistake? You should have someone who is beautiful, not someone who has so many hang ups.”
He held out his hand. “Come here Betsy.” Barry waited until she slowly made her way to him, placing her small scarred hand into his.
“First there is no mistake. You are our meru.” He lifted up her hand and kissed every single scar on her hand. “As far as the scars, I consider them as badges of courage, each one, and I can’t wait to see them all. Beauty in my mind is the whole package my little kitten.”
****
She wanted to yank her hand back away from this man that made her skin warm and her stomach seemed to knot, but Betsy knew they were her mates. The cat inside purred as Barry kissed her scars, his gaze never leaving hers. Lowering her gaze, Betsy even noticed her nipples were hard and exposed to their view as his coat was not zipped up.
“Sorry,” she took her hand away and started to zip the coat up to cover her naked skin, but Barry covered her hand, stopping her.
“There is no need to hide yourself, we enjoy looking at you, but it is cold in here.” The man released her but not before she got a glimpse of the cat inside him. Betsy stiffened as her cat pushed forward. “Sorry, sometimes he is a little impatient, but as I was saying: Tomorrow I’ll call and we’ll have all the utilities turned on here. If I’m not correct Dan has some family we can get over here to make sure everything is working before we start filling the place.” Orion pulled her down the hall and into the kitchen.
There were no appliances, but she loved the middle island and all the cabinets were in great shape, done in maple. The hardwood floor continued into the kitchen, which she loved. There was a nook in the room to the left for a nice table in front of a giant bay window, which looked out onto the woods that surrounded the complex.
Betsy walked around the room taking in every detail, still trying to comprehend that this could be her home. She could actually have a place to call her own, something she’d never believed possible. Quietly, Betsy stepped out of the kitchen and moved up the wooden stairs to the second floor. The first thing she noticed was an open loft overlooking the larger family room that could be used for play area, an office or even a library.
“It could be many things, but I see it as a library for our children. I can see you sitting in a nice rocker reading to our little ones,” Barry said, coming up to her. “You’d be surprised at the collection of books the three of us have, but I’m afraid some of them would have to be placed in our private quarters. They’re not for little ones to read.”
“You? What kind of books?” she looked up and noticed Barry staring at her, smiling.
“All sorts. I’ve even read a few good erotic romance books, even though they were somewhat science fiction. It’s really interesting to see how these people create different worlds.” He wrapped his arm around her and guided her to the next room. “You would be surprised at how close a few authors got at their descriptions of places. Matter of fact, we had to visit one such author to make sure she wasn’t from another planet visiting here.”
“Really? What happened?” Betsy asked taking in the first room which would make a great bedroom for a child.
Orion laughed. “What happened? One of the males from said planet she was describing had been mentally contacting her and slowly showing her information so she would become used to his world when he claimed her as his mate. It seems we are not the only ones who can mate with humans.”
Orion pulled her out of the room and down to the next room. “He didn’t know she was an author and that she’d use the information for a book. Needless to say, when he got here and found out, things were interesting. Akaos had a nice talk with the man and made sure the males of that planet were more careful. But the woman is doing well on his planet. Matter of fact, Davis doesn’t she write on his world now?” Orion asked and Davis nodded his head and joined them in the next room.
“Yes and she’s doing quite well after the shock of her kind of writing. You see on their world sex is a very private thing, something not spoken of. Needless to say, this author is trying to change this and doing a great job, from what I’ve heard.”
Betsy walked over to the closet and opened it. On the floor lay an old blue teddy bear. Betsy sat down on the floor and picked up the bear. “I have a box for one of my children. Every holiday or birthday, I’d made sure to buy the newest toy or the most popular item. Do you know Mandy will be ten next year, while Jordon will be six in three weeks. Another year without them in my arms...” she whispered and hugged the tiny bear.
Kneeling beside her, Barry wiped the tears away before lifting her up into his arms. “It’s getting late and you need to rest. We’ll come back here tomorrow and start working on the house, but for now you need to sleep little kitten.” Both Orion and Davis stepped out of the way and followed them out of the room.
“We haven’t seen the rest of the house,” she protested, but laid her head on his chest.
“We’ll explore more in the day time. You need to rest and I want to take a look at the scratch. Don’t forget you are going with Lacey to Dan’s parents’ house in the morning to discuss her wedding.”
“I was kind of hoping to forget about that. I don’t do well around a lot of people,” she mumbled as they transported her back to the compound.
“You are the only family Lacey has left. She needs you to be
by her side and you need her too. Did you know Dan and his family have called all their human contacts to find your children? Isaac has even risked punishment asking the Tetraheroes for help.” Barry lowered her feet to the ground when they entered the main kitchen.
“What? Why would he do that? I didn’t ask him. He shouldn’t have done that.” She spun away from and moved to the fridge, grabbing a coke out of it. “Now if something happens to him, I’m going to feel awful.” Betsy swung one of the kitchen chairs around and straddled it as she opened her pop.
“I did it because we can use the help and I’d do it again. Children should not be without their mother,” Isaac stated coming into the kitchen with Lacey. “You’re hurt. Have you allowed Barry to heal you?” He arched his eyebrow and stared at her until she was squirming in her chair.
“Damn, you have the king stuff down pat,” she mumbled. “But no, it’s just a scratch. I’ll take a nice hot bath, clean it up and I’ll be fine.”
“Bullshit,” Lacey said, coming over and lifting the coat she had on. “Your back has blood all over it and it’s fresh. Who did this?” Lacey snarled. “Are they dead?”
“Three of them are dead, but one got away. Some kind of gang. If you will excuse us, I’ll take her...” Barry stopped beside her and frowned, but only for a minute before he bent down and picked her up again. “Orion, fix Betsy some hot soup and bring it to our room.”
“There is no need. I have a plate for all of you in the oven. We’ll bring them down to your quarters?” Anthony questioned and he nodded.
“Give us about twenty minutes while we get her washed up and healed. Thank you Anthony,” Barry said, moving out of the kitchen and down the hall.
“Now wait a minute. I didn’t agree to this. I’m staying with Abby. I can take my bath there,” Betsy tried to object but Barry turned left instead of right.
“Do you trust me, Betsy? Do you trust us?” Barry asked glancing down at her as he turned another corner coming to a door which opened by itself.
“What does that have to do with anything? I don’t even know you!” She looked around the room. It was three times the size as Abby’s and at the back end she noticed a bed that had to be six times the small twin she slept on.
“That is a good point. You stay here and we’ll get to know each other. I can promise you this, Betsy.” He placed his finger under her chin and brought her attention back to him. “We will not do anything you don’t want to do, but I really believe it’s best you stay with us for now. Inside you know you belong with us here.” Barry placed his hand over her heart while behind her Orion reached up and slid the coat down her back, exposing her chest to them.
She covered her breasts with her arms, shaking her head. “I listened to my heart twice and all it got me was hurt and pain. How can I be sure?” she flinched when Orion took a washcloth to her back and started to clean the blood off of her.
“Betsy, I can’t promise we’ll not hurt you. In every relationship there are times when words or actions cause pain, but I promise you we are not going anywhere. You are stuck with us and I know we can make this work if you give us a chance.” He held out his hand, waiting for her to place her hand into his. To trust him, them.
“I might run when I get scared,” she stated putting her hand into his and staring into his eyes.
“Then we will follow and bring you back, facing every scary thing together. You will never have to face anything alone unless you want to. Even then you might have one of us with you, but we pledge to give you the space you need.” Betsy winced when Orion came to the spot on her side that had been hit.
“This is more than a scrape, kitten,” Orion grumbled. “I need her to lie on the bed so I can heal her correctly. The wound is still bleeding and the bullet didn’t graze her, it went right through her side.” He frowned at her as she glanced up at him. “I’m surprised you are even walking around. You have to be in pain.”
Before she could say a word, Barry led her to the bed and pointed to it. “Lay down Betsy, so we can take care of you.”
She rolled her eyes and climbed onto the bed. “I’ve lived for years hiding my pain. If I ever called out, the punishment was three times worse. I’m sure you cam see the scars now.” Betsy glanced back at the three men who surrounded the bed she lay on. “I warned you. I wasn’t pretty.”
“Heal her, Orion. Davis, start a nice warm bath for our lady and you.” Barry turned his gaze on her. “Just because you have a few scars, does not mean you aren’t beautiful.” He took off his dress shirt and she moaned, burying her face into the bed.
“No, your scars don’t make you look bad, but you’re a man, Barry.” She brought her hands in front of her and looked at the rough scars on them. “Woman should have smooth skin, not bumpy and rough.” She slid her hands under her thighs and lowered her head on the pillow when Orion sat down on one side of the bed and Barry on the other.
Without a word Barry took hold of her arm and lifted her hand out and raised it up to his mouth, kissing each mark. “With each touch it will remind me to spoil you, that you have suffered enough in your lifetime and need loving and caring,” he whispered leaning down and kissing her lips softly.
“Her bath is ready?” Davis announced, breaking the spell she had been under. But Betsy knew without out a doubt that the three men had opened a small hole in the wall that surrounded her heart and were slowly working on possessing it.
Chapter Two
Barry glanced at the bathroom door and took a drink of his beer. His little kitten might be all fierce on the outside, but he had seen the soft cuddly woman inside. “We have our work cut out for us gentlemen,” he said, blocking her from hearing them. “Our woman might act tough, but I believe she needs our full attention and guidance.” He got up and went to the door, knowing Anthony, Isaac and Lacey were coming down the hall.
“How is she? Is she going to be okay?” Lacey asked as she stepped into their room and scanned it.
“She’s in the tub, Orion has healed her and she’s coping as best as she can, considering everything she’s gone through.” Barry turned to take a better glance at his mates’ sister. Where Betsy was quiet and assessing everything around her, Lacey plunged right in.
“You’re not rushing her, are you? I’m surprised she agreed to be here and not with Abby. What did you do?” she growled and Isaac laughed, wrapping his arms around her from behind.
“Calm down, Lacey. You know for a fact your sister wouldn’t have stayed if she didn’t want to. Give my men some credit here.” He nipped her ear and glanced up at Isaac. “Well, two of my men that is. How are you doing Barry? We haven’t spoken much since Orion was hurt.” Isaac pulled out a chair at their table and placed Lacey in it.
Orion snarled. “There is no need to bring that up. It was all my fault. There is no need to question our orak.”
The bathroom door flew open and Betsy stepped out with a towel wrapped around her. “What’s wrong?” She asked glancing at Orion.
“Nothing is wrong, I’m sorry I interrupted your bath, little kitten. I just get a little protective,” Orion said., going to Betsy and rubbing his cheek on the top of her head. “Go finish your bath, we’ll wait.”
“Why is someone threating one of you? Lacey what did you say now?” Betsy asked and Lacey laughed.
“For once it wasn’t me and it’s nothing to worry about, but I would appreciate you putting on some clothes. My men might not stray, but they sure don’t need to see my little sister practically nude.”
Betsy rolled her eyes and shook her head, before turning back into the bathroom, but not before he noticed her pat Orion’s arm trying to give him some comfort. “Like your men would even look at me when they have you,” their little kitten mumbled and slammed the bathroom door.
As soon as the door shut, Lacey looked at Barry. “Please don’t hurt her, she’s all I have now with Maya gone.”
For the first time since meeting this woman, Barry saw the pain behind her eyes that
matched that of her sister. “I promise to put your sister first,” he glanced at the door. “I’ve known darkness for a long time and I know what it can do to a person.” He looked back at Lacey. “The both of you shouldn’t have gone through what you did, but hopefully we’ll be able to give her hope and maybe even some new dreams. After all, it’s the Christmas season and miracles do happen. I have found my family when for so long I never believed I would have one.”
Isaac leaned over and squeezed his shoulder. “You will be a great leader for your family and maybe this will give the four of you something to concentrate on while you learn about each other. We have word from one of our men in London that a number of children were placed in orphanages. My brother had been working and following Lacey’s father and knows for a fact that his group visited that city at least once a year. I’m having a list complied as we speak and will deliver it to you. I thought the eight of us could go together. Dan can make the arrangements as soon as you agree.”
“What about your wedding?” Barry asked and noticed Lacey already shaking her head.
“Our wedding can wait. My niece and nephew can’t.” Lacey glanced at the bathroom door. “I failed my sister once and I won’t do it again.”
“You didn’t fail me, Lacey. Even though not long ago I believed you did in my heart, I know you couldn’t have saved me. So it’s true? There’s a lead on my babies?” Betsy slid into the chair Davis had pulled back for her.
“Looks like we’re all going to London. Dan is talking with his family now, the plane can be ready to go tomorrow morning. The other women are staying here and will help get our new land ready,” Lacey reached over and squeezed Betsy’s hand.
A Christmas Tail Page 2