She kissed Hunter’s lips lightly then turned and ghosted her lips across Clay’s. Sighing against his mouth, she settled tiredly as both men rested their heads against the pillow so that they cuddled against her tightly and were able to kiss her shoulders lightly. She felt their love wrapping her in gentle protection, and she succumbed to sleep.
“She’s tired, Clay,” Hunter whispered.
“Pregnant women get tired,” Clay explained.
“Pregnant women,” Hunter repeated, filled with wonder. “Our pregnant woman.”
“Yeah. Our pregnant woman,” Clay agreed. “How freaking awesome is that?”
“Pretty freaking awesome,” Hunter whispered back.
“Yeah, I’m freaking amazing. Now be quiet and let me sleep,” Abbey whispered, cuddling deeper within their embrace and allowing them to nearly cover her with their bodies.
Both men smiled against her shoulder, kissing her neck lightly and breathing in her scent once again. They moved closer against her body, resting their hands possessively on her stomach. Beautiful visions of Abbey and their children followed them into their sleep. The smiles never left their faces as they held her throughout the night—two men who had finally been blessed with their mate. The woman who soothed the demons inside of them.
Chapter 27
Abbey walked toward the beautiful home that belonged to Drew, Suzie, and Carter. Anxiety filled her as she worried about what she would find when she got there. The thought of Mia’s brother Dean being injured because of the cruelty of another pack alpha more than scared her. It terrified her. What did she really know about shifters anyway? Sure, she knew Hunter and Clay had been nothing but kind and gentle with her, but that didn’t mean the rest of the male population of shifters were the same—obviously.
She had dealt with many men in the business world. Some were honest and trustworthy. Some were vicious and only did what they needed to do to succeed. She was witness to the duplicitous nature of her husband. She had almost been a statistic—a mere blip on a report of a victim of spousal violence.
Despite the honest, caring feelings she experienced when she was around the men of Beckett’s pack, she couldn’t push aside her old fears. She was still cautious and, to some degree, skeptical.
As she stepped up onto the front deck of the pack doctor’s home, she decided that being cautious and skeptical was a good way to be. If time showed her that she didn’t need to be that way—great. If not, she would not be taken unaware. She would be sure to be vigilant in her support and protection of those who needed her.
Raising her hand, she knocked twice on the door that was off to the left of the main entrance of the beautiful log structure. Hunter and Clay had told her that Drew’s office was on the left side of their home.
The door opened immediately and she found herself facing the familiar, incredibly handsome man with a scar that ran from the bottom corner of his left eye to his mouth. The scar in no way detracted from the handsomeness of this man. His light blue eyes sparkled with kindness and Abbey felt comfortable with him immediately.
“I wanted to make sure Dean was okay, Carter,” she told him, the concern obvious in her voice.
He opened the door wide and motioned for her to enter. “Come on inside, Abbey,” he welcomed her warmly. “You might not remember, but I was the EMT on duty the morning Hunter and Clay found you.”
“I remember,” Abbey told him, smiling. “That was a good morning for me.”
“It was a good morning for your mates, too, Abbey,” he told her seriously. “There’s nothing more important or gives us more happiness than the moment we find our mate.”
“I’m understanding that more and more every day,” Abbey admitted.
“Suzie has told me and Drew about you. Our mate is very impressed by the help you’ve given her best friend Meeka. Thank you for what you’ve done for her.”
He extended his hand and Abbey accepted it without hesitation, shaking it firmly. His handshake was warm and sure, making her feel that she could trust him. She had always been a good judge of people when she met them during her business day.
“I didn’t do much,” Abbey protested. “Meeka is a very capable woman who just needed a little push to believe in herself.”
“Well, we appreciate what you’ve done, Abbey,” Carter told her as he led her inside.
She found herself in a small waiting area that was filled with an abundance of very large men including Lucian and Cole and Nikki’s mates Alexander and Butler. Their stance showed her that they were tense as they waited silently. They all turned to look at her as soon as she entered and she had to fight not to fidget.
“Hi,” she greeted them softly. “I came to check on Dean.”
“Dean is doing very well,” Carter told her gently. “There’s been a dramatic improvement since last night.”
“There has?” Abbey asked, surprised. “That’s wonderful.”
Carter smiled and nodded, not giving away any personal information. It was Dean’s right to tell what had happened. Drew and Carter had found the claiming mark on Dean’s chest when they had checked on him that morning. Whoever the woman was who had put her mark on Dean had done two things. She had helped him heal at a faster rate because of her bite, and she had started the bonding process with one of the men of her fated triad. Drew had explained to Dean that the mating wouldn’t be complete until their unknown female wolf gave the same claiming bite to Mitchell, and Dean and Mitchell gave the same biting mark to their little wolf in return.
Dean’s smug happiness had made Carter and Drew smile. When they saw the hope that had flared in Mitchell’s eyes, they couldn’t help but be happy for their mate’s little brother. They wished him the same happiness they had found in a happy triad mating with their Suzie.
“Abbey, you know Lucian and Cole,” Carter told her, indicating the two men.
Abbey nodded, smiling. The men smiled back and nodded, acknowledging her. She felt their goodness and suddenly felt sad that Mia was pushing them away.
“Hello again,” she told them softly.
“I think you might already know Alexander and Butler,” Carter offered. “They’re the head of our pack enforcers and are mated to Nikki.”
“Yes,” Abbey acknowledged. “Is Nikki here?”
“Our mate is in Dean’s room helping Drew change his dressings,” Alexander answered.
The door to the adjoining room opened and Mia, Laurie, Nikki, Suzie, Drew, Jace, and Jackson entered, making the already crowded room shrink in size as the strong presence of both the alpha and beta filled it. Abbey could feel the power of the ruling triad, liking the fact that Laurie also held the same magic as her mates. It boosted Abbey’s happiness to experience the woman’s strength.
“Abbey,” Laurie whispered, stepping closer and reaching out to hold Abbey’s hand. “Is everything all right, honey?”
Abbey’s heart clenched at the kindness extended to her. Here was a woman whose son was lying injured in the next room, yet she worried about Abbey and the reason she might be visiting the pack doctor. Amazing.
“I’m fine, Laurie,” Abbey assured her. “I just wanted to make sure you and Mia were okay. How’s Dean?”
Abbey suddenly found herself surrounded by Mia and Laurie as they hugged her tightly between them. She couldn’t prevent the soft laughter that left her as Suzie’s and Nikki’s arms surrounded them all and squeezed them within their embrace.
“Such a kind woman,” Laurie whispered against the side of Abbey’s face. “Thank you so much.”
“Dean is doing better,” Mia told her, her usually strong voice scarcely above a whisper.
Abbey could feel Mia’s body trembling and realized that the young woman was barely holding it together. Looking over the top of Mia’s head, she searched for and found Lucian and Cole. She raised her eyebrows and hoped they could understand that she wanted them to be there for Mia. She saw the way both of them hesitated before stepping closer to lend their strong pr
esence.
“Our son is doing much better,” Jace’s deep voice interrupted them. He waited until Abbey looked at him and smiled. “Thank you for your caring, Abbey. You’re a good part of our pack family.”
Abbey blushed under his gaze but was warmed by his words. She felt the push of pack love that he sent her and knew that she was never going to take that connection for granted.
“It seems we have a secret that Dean and Mitchell aren’t sharing,” Jackson spoke up, drawing everyone’s attention. “We have the proof of a claiming bite on Dean’s chest, but we don’t know who did the claiming. Dean isn’t talking. Neither is Mitchell. Do you happen to know anything about that, Mia?”
Mia looked at Suzie in a panic. She wasn’t about to betray her brother’s confidence. Only she and Suzie knew that Janey was Dean and Mitchell’s third.
“I don’t have any idea,” Mia offered softly.
Jace looked her over with a knowing eye. Mia remained firm and looked back at him without flinching. “You’re a good sister,” Jace told her, the power in his voice affecting all of them. “And you’re a good daughter.”
Mia smiled and relaxed within Abbey’s hold. She turned to Suzie, relieved that neither one of them would have to tell Dean and Mitchell’s secret.
Sudden growls filled the small room, making Abbey jump. She looked up and saw every man in the room looking at her and smiling. She faced Jace and saw the golden color of his eyes and was confused. Looking around, she saw the same phenomenon occurring in each of the men’s eyes. What in the heck had happened to make every man in the room suddenly have their wolf come forward?
“It seems we have another secret waiting to be told,” Jace said finally, smiling down at Abbey.
“What do you mean?” Abbey asked him, truly confused.
“They can scent your pregnancy, Abbey,” Suzie explained softly, leaning forward and kissing Abbey’s cheek lightly. “Congratulations.”
“What? You’re pregnant?” Mia asked, astounded. She turned to face the men, her eyes automatically searching out Lucian and Cole. When she saw the way they were looking directly at her, their eyes completely golden and their canines peeking out from between their lips, she gasped. Instead of focusing on them, she turned and looked back at Abbey. “Congratulations, Abbey.”
“Welcome to the world of pregnant women,” Laurie told her, laughing as she kissed her cheek lightly. “There are certainly a number of us in that condition right now.” She looked up at her mates and winked, happiness filling her at the sight of her men’s smiling faces. She secretly hoped that she would see that look on their faces for each of the pregnancies she hoped to have with them in the future.
We’ll be happy with every one of your pregnancies, darlin’, Jackson’s voice filled her head as his gentle love for her washed over her.
Laurie looked at both men and nodded slightly. Me, too, she finally told them, blushing when their immediate grins appeared.
“I know, it’s weird that the men can scent your pregnancy,” Nikki offered, smiling at Abbey. “It’s a freaky wolf thing. Don’t let it embarrass you. Congratulations, Mommy.”
Abbey accepted their good wishes, unable to speak. Looking around the room she realized that she was surrounded by people who wished her well and were happy for her. She truly felt like she was part of an amazing family. The only sadness she held was because her best friends Synthia and Shelly weren’t here with her. She was determined to bring them to Beckett’s land. She knew they would find happiness here if they would just give it a chance.
“And so, the mighty have fallen,” Butler teased.
“What do you mean?” Abbey asked, her forehead furrowing in confusion.
“Hunter and Clay,” Butler told her, as if she should know.
“What about them?”
“None of us ever thought those two would ever settle down,” he told her, smiling.
Abbey pushed out of the women’s arms and stalked over to Butler, placing her hands on her hips and staring up at him with a murderous gleam in her eyes. “Are you maligning my mates?” she demanded. “Trust me. You don’t want to go there.”
“No,” Butler tried to placate her immediately, raising his hands in surrender as Abbey stood before him, her anger flashing hotly in her blue eyes. “I was just saying…it’s just that…none of us ever thought…Hunter and Clay dated a lot of women…oh, hell!”
“Good save,” Alexander muttered, shaking his head at his triad partner’s rambling. “Abbey, don’t listen to him. Hunter and Clay have been searching for you for a very long time. We’re all very thankful that they found you. You’re exactly the right person to complete their triad, and we’re all very happy that you’re going to be parents. It’s something all of us desire—and Hunter and Clay are no exception.” He looked at Butler and gave him a warning look. “Right, Butler?”
“Absolutely,” Butler answered without hesitation. “Please don’t be upset by my foolish teasing. Both Hunter and Clay are great guys, and we all know that they’ve wanted to find their third and start a family for a long time. Congratulations.”
Abbey searched her feelings to see if she felt anything negative from Butler and was relieved to only feel his honesty and happiness. “Okay, buddy, I’ll cut you a break this time. But I won’t be so forgiving if you disrespect my mates again.”
“I’m with you, Abbey,” Nikki spoke up, looking at Butler and narrowing her eyes in warning.
Butler hesitated then opened his arms and was relieved when Nikki came to him and cuddled against his chest. He growled softly as she turned toward him and bit down lightly on his pectoral muscle.
I’m going to have to teach you not to tease pregnant women, she whispered in his mind.
Sweetness, you can teach me anything you want as long as we do it naked.
Alexander’s snort of laughter made them both smile. Butler turned to look at his triad partner and winked.
You’re with me on that, aren’t you, Alex?
Oh, yeah. Let’s go do some learning right now.
Nikki laughed against Butler’s chest, reaching out her left hand and taking the hand that Alex offered her, squeezing it lightly. Sounds like a good idea to me, she whispered in their minds.
“How are you adjusting to living here, Abbey?” Jace’s voice grabbed everyone’s attention. “Are you glad to be here?”
“I am,” Abbey admitted. “I love it here. And I love being mated to Hunter and Clay.”
“What’s wrong?” Jace prompted, his connection to her as her alpha allowing him to feel the sadness that was creeping from her.
“I would like to have my two best friends come to live here,” Abbey told him finally. “They’re really good people and I know they would find happiness here. Maybe they’ll even find their mates.”
“It’s always difficult to bring outsiders into the pack, Abbey,” Jace told her carefully. “We have to make sure that no one compromises the safety of our family if others know of our secret.”
“The beautiful lady told me I could trust them with the secret of your shifter world, Jace,” she told him honestly. “They know about Hunter and Clay and our mating. They would never betray your secrets.”
Jace was quiet for a moment as he looked over the small group within Drew’s outer office. They were but a small percentage of the many he was honor bound to protect.
“Mother Fate told you they could be trusted?” he asked softly.
Abbey nodded. “She did.”
“Well, then,” Jace said finally. “I can’t deny Her guidance. You may ask your friends to join us, and we’ll see if they want to be part of our pack family. Who knows? They may find their fated mates here, and that would be a very good thing.”
“Thank you, Jace,” Abbey whispered, happiness filling her at the thought that she might be able to have it all. Friends, family, mates, a baby, and a place where all of them were safe.
* * * *
Mia walked away from Drew, Suzie, and C
arter’s home. Her emotions were in a jumble. Being so afraid for her brother had made her weak from lack of sleep and worry. Happiness for Abbey and her coming baby made her confused by the fact that she suddenly wished she could accept that type of life. Thinking about Lucian and Cole made her want things she knew she couldn’t cave in and surrender to. She had seen too much in her life to give up on her dream of becoming a nurse. She was going to go to college and achieve that dream. No one was going to stop her.
“Mia,” Lucian’s deep voice called to her.
Mia stopped and turned to face the two men who confused the hell out of her. “What?” she asked, suddenly very tired.
“Are you all right, darlin’?” Lucian asked her, running his large fingers through his blond hair as he looked down at her worriedly.
“I’m okay. Just tired.”
“I think you’re more than tired, baby,” Cole whispered as he closed the distance between them and gathered her into his arms. “It’s okay, Mia. You can let go.”
Mia thought for a moment to protest. She was strong. She didn’t need these men to tell her to let go. But the words died on her lips as Lucian stepped up behind her and wrapped his arms around her, leaning down and nuzzling into the back of her neck and kissing it softly.
She couldn’t hold it together anymore. She felt her body beginning to tremble and was grateful for the strong arms that surrounded her. The warmth of their bodies soothed her and relaxed the nerves that had been stretched tight with worry since her brother had been attacked. She leaned against Cole’s chest and gave in to her need to be comforted by these two men.
Hell! Who am I trying to kid? Lucian and Cole aren’t just any two men—they’re my men.
Although she couldn’t allow them to know it yet, she was completely and irrevocably committed to them. She knew she would never be happy without them. It scared her, it angered her, but it comforted her. She wanted to belong to a loving triad. She wanted to be able to give in and allow her mates to help her. She didn’t want to be the strong one all the time.
Abbey's Protectors [Beckett's Wolf Pack, Triad Mates 4] (Siren Publishing Ménage and More) Page 31