“Concentrate on Andrew, Frank. You’re missing buttons.” She laughed, laying the socks on the bed. “Here, let me help you.”
He swatted her hands away. “I’ve got it. You go tell Cruse to get that grill started. Andrew and I will get better acquainted.”
Whitney smiled and reached over, kissing his chest. “You are one amazing man, Frank Stein. Don’t be long.” She turned and walked out, trusting him with her precious bundle again.
“Are you going to be my new daddy?” Andrew asked, pulling on his hand.
Smiling, he turned towards Andrew. “Would you like that?” He re-buttoned his shirt and helped him out of his swimming trucks and into his underwear.
Andrew stepped into the underwear, studying him. After all these years, this little boy melted his heart like no other. “You wouldn’t hurt Mommy like my first Daddy did?”
Frank stopped and stared at the boy. “Do you remember what your Daddy did?”
“I still have dreams, and I hear her screaming. I was small then and I couldn’t do anything to help her.” Tears filled his eyes. “I hear her sometimes at night and she’s still crying, but I know it’s because she’s worried about me.”
Frank held out his pants and Andrew stepped into them. “I promise you, Andrew, I will always try to protect you and your Mom, as will Cruse, Dana, and Theodore.”
“So I’ll have four daddies?” He plopped down on the bed and reached for his socks. “It would be cool to have four daddies. When will you marry her?” Andrew jumped off the bed and slipped on his loafers. “All ready.”
He kneeled down and patted Andrew on the head. “You’ll be special like your Mom. She’ll have four husbands and you’ll have four daddies. I haven’t asked your Mommy to marry us yet, but if you can keep a secret, I’m going to ask her in three days.”
Andrew nodded and threw his arms around him. “I’m glad you’re going to be my daddy. I know you’re the one who took the pain away.”
“Frank, we have a problem and we need you in the office now.” Theodore sent Frank the message as he stood with Andrew in his arms.
“I’m glad you’re going to be my son.” He kissed the top of his head and moved downstairs quickly, putting Andrew down onto the floor. “Go to your Mom, Andrew. She’s in the kitchen. I’ll be there in a minute. I have to talk with Theodore about some business.”
He nodded and ran off to the kitchen, as Frank turned to enter the office. Jake and Randy stood in his office, black soot covering them. “What happened?”
Randy stepped forward. “The small house Whitney rents is gone. Before we could even scent anyone, her place exploded. There is nothing left, but we did see two vampires leaving the area after the explosion.”
Frank spun around and slammed his fist into the wall.
“There’s more, sir.”
Slowly he turned and Randy stepped back. “We raced to her parents’ house to back up Bruce and Wade, but it was too late. They’re dead and their house is gone also.”
“Pull everyone in and get our spy out of Alfred’s headquarters as soon as possible. Something isn’t right. We have a leak. There is no way anyone could have sneaked up on Bruce and Wade.” He glanced at Theodore. “It’s time to call in some help.”
Theodore shook his head. “You know it’s risky bringing them around. They don’t follow orders.”
Frank smiled. “They do mine, and they owe us big time for saving their asses ten years ago. You know they are the best and they’ll protect Whitney and her family while we’re at the challenge. No one will expect them here.”
“Then do it! She’s been hurt enough.” Theodore glanced at Randy. “Go get yourselves cleaned up and ready the guest house. It’s to be empty. No one will breach it when our guests arrive. Then I want you to call everyone in. It’s time to rework our plan since they know who we are.”
Both men left and he slid around the desk, picking up the phone. “I never thought I would be calling in this favor, but maybe it’s for the best. Give me ten minutes, then have Whitney and her parents meet us in the family room. Also, when this is over, I want to offer them the condo in New York till they decide what they want to do, or they can have it. It’s the least we can do.”
He left, shutting the door, and dialed Garth’s private number, sitting back into the chair.
“To what do I owe the honor of your call, Stein?” Garth chuckled into the phone.
Frank laughed and shook his head. “I hate to say it, but I need your help. We’re under attack and they’re aiming for our queen.”
The gargoyle roared into the phone and Frank winced, holding the phone away. “What fools would attack my friend?”
“The man I’m challenging two nights from now, Alfred Grant. But there might be another working with him. Christopher.”
“Fuck! I told you I didn’t trust the man when he showed up last time. We’ll be there late tonight, the five of us. I’ll call in reinforcements, but they won’t be there till the Fourth.”
“Thank you, my friend. Garth. There is a child here, my mate’s son.” Frank warned, knowing how sexually orientated they were. “I’ve arranged for the guest house to be yours alone.”
Garth chuckled. “We’ll behave, but Frank, this doesn’t even begin to repay you for what you did to tell our people. As far as we’re concerned, you will always be our leader and our friend. You are family.”
He sucked in his breath and grinned. “Well, old friend, you were the only one I could think of to protect my most precious gift. She clears the red haze, Garth. You know that in all my years, no one has.”
“Then she is truly special, my friend, and we will treat her as our queen. See you tonight.”
Frank hung up the phone and sighed, glancing at the door. Now to break my queen’s heart.
“Frank, Oh my God, Frank!” Whitney screamed at the top of her lungs.
Frank jumped out of his seat and tore through the house to the kitchen, claws replacing hands, his fangs protruding at the threat of his woman being hurt. He crouched in the kitchen, scanning the room, when she ran to him, tears streaming down her face.
“You have to save them, Frank! I’m so stupid. He’ll go after them.” Whitney cried and flung herself into his arms. Andrew hugged his Grandma, who also looked shaken up.
Dana, Cruse, and Theodore all stood at alert. “Who are you talking about, Whitney? I don’t understand.” He gently pulled her back as his fangs retracted. His claws turned to hands the instant she touched him.
“Marci and Allie! They were with me at the bar when I met Alfred. They’re like sisters to me. Mom and Dad raised both of from when they were teens. We’re the three Musketeers.” She cried and started to hiccup.
Eve glanced at her husband. “How could we have forgotten them, Bran?”
Frank turned to Cruse. “Get a team together. You move out in five.” He glanced down at Whitney. “Where would they be, Whitney? You need to write a note or something telling them to trust us when we find them.”
She glanced back at her mom, who nodded. “They’ll be at the private club, Berserkers. Marci can always tell if there is trouble. She’ll take Allie there and they’ll stay there till I call.”
Bran grumbled. “Stupidest place to go in danger, if you ask me.”
“Dad, we can blend in there, especially Marci, you know that.” Whitney grabbed the paper and pen Dana held out to her and stared writing the letter.
“I’ve been to this club. Whitney, you wouldn’t fit in.” Frank grumbled at the thought of her at the biker bar.
Whitney grinned at him and continued to write. “You haven’t seen me in my biker outfit. It’s this short black leather miniskirt and I have these kick- ass black thigh-high boots with a halter top to die for.” She turned and handed Frank the letter. “If you’re real good, I’ll dress up for you one night, but please bring them here, Frank.” She glanced at her father, a frown on her face.
“Should I tell them?”
Bran n
odded. “You’d better, because if a fight breaks out, you don’t need them freaking out when they see Marci or Allie.”
Whitney nodded and glanced back at him. “Allie and Marci are different. Marci is the last of her kind, half gargoyle and half human. When she goes into battle mode, she’s deadly. Allie…” Whitney smiled. “Well, let’s just say Allie is dainty, but powerful. She has fae blood in her. Mom and Dad found both girls in Salem, hiding out in the basement of the abandoned building next to our home. Ever since then, they’ve lived with us. They have no one else but us, Frank.”
Cruse stepped back into the kitchen with his six men and Frank handed him the letter. “Take the bikes. You’re going to Berserkers.” He glanced down at Whitney. “How will they recognize them?”
Whitney laughed. “You’ll know, just look around and you’ll see Marci and Allie surrounded by men. Should have freaking went there last night. At least then I wouldn’t have been attacked.”
He picked her up and raised her to eye level. “But then you wouldn’t have met me. And there will be no going back to that club, understood?” Frank demanded, but Whitney just patted his cheek and smiled.
“Why would I need to go there, when I have my own personal bodyguards here?” She leaned in and kissed his lips before turning to Cruse. “Hurry, Cruse, I’m worried. And there’d better not be one scratch on you either when you get back.”
Cruse leaned down and kissed her lips. “I’ll bring your sister’s home safely, Whitney, I promise.” He cupped her cheek.
Frank nodded. Cruse left with his men. “I need to speak with all of you. Why don’t we go into the family room where it’s more comfortable?” Frank wrapped his arms around Whitney and carried her to the family room.
“Why do I get the feeling you’ve got bad news?” Whitney stared up at him as he sat her down on the sofa next to Andrew and her mom.
Everyone waited and stared at him. “We got word a few minutes ago that both of your houses are gone. Explosions were set. Two of my men were killed in the process.”
Whitney glanced at her mom, who shook with anger. “Well, then, it’s a good thing I put all the pictures and our personal things in the bunker.” Eve glanced at her husband, who nodded and pulled out his cell phone. “But they made the mistake of attacking my family.”
“Everything is gone?” Whitney whispered, glancing at Andrew next to her. She pulled him onto her lap and hugged him. “I guess we don’t need to go back to my place, do we?” She smiled, but it was only a half-smile.
Frank turned to Eve as Bran talked on the phone. “We have a condo in New York City. It’s yours. You can live there or stay there however long you need, but I want you two to stay here now, at least until the challenge is over.”
Eve smiled. “You are an amazing and kind man, Frank. Thank you. Bran and I will discuss it later and let you know.”
He nodded and sighed. “I’ve also called in backup. I wouldn’t do this normally, but with the added threat of Christopher Jackson, I’m not taking any chances.” He smiled at Whitney.
“Your friend Marci is not the only gargoyle left. There are thousands of them and Garth, their leader, and his four brothers, will be here soon.”
Frank kneeled down in front of Whitney and Andrew. “How’re you doing, little warrior?”
Andrew hugged his mom tighter. “What are you? You had claws and sharp teeth,” he whispered, afraid.
Closing his eyes, he sighed and sat on the floor. “Come here, Andrew. Let me tell you a story. Can I do that?” Frank opened his eyes and stared at the little boy, who glanced up at his mom. She nodded and he slipped out of her lap into his.
Frank held the boy, rubbing his back. “A long time ago, a very smart man wanted a son, but didn’t have a wife, so he decided to create a son. In his laboratory, he pieced together a man, one who was part vampire for a long life, part wolf so he could be strong, part machine so he could remain together till his body could heal, and part human so he could have a soul.” Frank smiled down at the boy and kissed his forehead.
“When the man was done, it took years for my body to heal, but the vampire and werewolf part of me healed me quickly. There were no scars. I was not the monster people believed me to be. But that didn’t stop the people from coming to my father’s home and killing him because they were afraid of me. They thought I was also dead, but I was stronger and I healed more quickly. See, my father used magic also to piece me together. I left England, which was then my home, and came here to America. I hid for a very long time, until I found Cruse, Dana, and Theodore. They became my family, and eventually others joined our small family, as you and your mother have. I can become the wolf you see in the wild. I do need a small amount of blood to survive, but I don’t kill anyone.” Frank grinned at Andrew. “I can also heal people sometimes, but Andrew, I will always be there for you. I would never hurt or harm you or your mother.”
Andrew frowned and glanced up at him. “Did you kill those bad men that killed your daddy? I would want to kill anyone who hurt Mommy or you.” He hugged him, laying his head on his chest.
“No, Andrew, I didn’t kill them. I wanted to, but I left. I knew they acted out of fear, not out of meanness. Now, that doesn’t mean I won’t protect and hurt anyone that hurts you or your mom, because I will. All of us would.”
“I’m not scared anymore. Is Mommy like you?” Andrew got off his lap and stared at her, then at him.
“Your mom is already part wolf, Andrew. A bad man bit her so she’s like me, but yes, tomorrow night on my birthday, your mommy will become like me. Your grandparents and you will get to watch the fireworks tomorrow night from the backyard while we help your mommy. Is that okay?” Frank stood and stretched.
Andrew nodded and rubbed his belly when it growled. “I’m hungry.”
Whitney laughed, holding out her hand. “Well, come on then, let’s get you some supper. I’ll fix you a hot dog and fries tonight. If you can keep it down without getting sick, we’ll try pizza for the fireworks.”
Andrew jumped up and down and clapped his hands. “Really? I can have a hot dog and pizza?” He ran to him and hugged his leg. “Thank you so much! I can eat good stuff now!”
Frank laughed as Whitney pulled Andrew out of the room. He turned to Bran who strolled over to him. “I’ve called the council of wizards and witches. They are preparing now for your challenge and will be there to support you. We might not be able to use our magic on wolves, but we can on vampires. We can also skin a wolf, if need be.”
Bran laughed. “It seems our family aren’t the only ones who knew you were coming. We’ll be ready. And thank you, Frank, for the condo. After everything has settled, we’ll retrieve what we have left from the bunker and move to the condo. It will give you time to settle your new family. You are planning on living here?”
He narrowed his gaze. “For now, yes. Excuse me, our company has arrived.” Frank moved to the kitchen, followed by Dana and Theodore.
Chapter Seven
Whitney popped the kid’s TV dinner into the microwave and turned to smile at Andrew. “So, what do you think of Frank, Dana, Cruse, and Theodore?”
Andrew grinned, his gaze bright. “They’re going to be my new daddies. They won’t hurt you like my old daddy.”
“Oh baby, no one will hurt us again. You do know you’ll have to keep who Frank is a secret, right? We don’t want anyone coming after him like those people who killed his daddy.” Whitney sat down next to him at the counter and brushed his blond hair back.
“I know, and I’ll protect him. I won’t let them take him away from us.” Andrew pushed his shoulders back and flexed his small arm. “I’ll get strong now, and I’ll have Aunt Marci teach me to fight now that I’m not sick.”
She laughed and turned to the patio door when it opened. Five large men strolled into the house and surrounded her and Andrew. “Can I help you?” Gently she released her magic, surrounding her and Andrew.
One man stepped forward. He had short bl
ack hair and gray eyes. He wore a pair of faded blue jeans and nothing else. “My name is Garth. I believe your mate is expecting us.”
Whitney grinned and released her magic. “Hello, my name is Whitney, and this little man here is my son, Andrew.”
Garth bowed to her and held out his hand to Andrew, who shook his hand. “It’s great to finally meet the woman who has captured our king’s heart. You have our vow to protect and serve you as best we can.”
Frank, Dana, and Theodore moved into the kitchen, followed by her parents. “Garth, it’s good to see you, old man.” Frank clasped his hand and slapped him on the back.
“I’m only a few years older than you, so watch it,” Garth replied and Whitney giggled, turning to the microwave.
“What’s so funny?” Garth asked, looking at her, then at Frank. “Oh, nothing. I was just wondering if you too have to take Viagra like Frank here. I mean, you gentlemen are so old, you have to need something.” Whitney placed the dinner in front of Andrew and bent to retrieve the ketchup, making sure they all had a nice look at her ass.
Garth burst out laughing. “Oh yeah, she’s most definitely your match. She’s got a mouth on her and a body to kill for.”
Whitney jumped and spun around when Frank smacked her ass. “Behave,” he snarled, “and we’ll see who’s begging tomorrow night.”
“Whitney, Andrew, where the hell are you?” Marci bellowed from the hallway, and Whitney ran to meet her.
Marci wrapped her arms around her and picked her up. “If you ever scare me again like that, I swear I’ll kick your little ass from here to Mom’s house!” she said and held her tight. “I thought I lost you, Whitney,” she whispered in her ear.
“Put me down, you Amazon. I’m fine, now that I know you and Allie are okay.” She turned and hugged Allie after Marci put her down.
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