Her gaze jumped to White Eagle, who knelt next to Argo. “When you said those words I knew you were meant to be my woman. The first day I actually saw you there was a peace in my soul, even though I had lost so much. I knew you would save me. I won’t let go ever.” He leaned over and kissed her cheek.
She shouted as Bo flipped her onto her back, and both Bo and Buck looked down at her. “Do you not see what you have done? You have brought peace to all of us. Without you we would not exist. Even the beast, my other half, is settled for the first time in a hundred years.” Buck traced his finger down her cheek, before leaning down and kissing her lips softly. “I’ll start the water. I’m sure you need a nice bath right about now.”
Everything inside her was messed up. All Shelly could do was nod. Bo’s finger under her chin drew her attention to him. “They are my brothers of my heart now. I know if anything ever happened to me, you would be taken care of.”
“No!” she shouted and Shelly threw her arms around his neck. “Don’t you even say those words!” she cried, her whole body shaking the thought of him being hurt.
“Little Wolf, I’m not going to lose this challenge, I promise.” He slid off the bed and leaned over, scooping her up. “Come, you need a bath and we have to clean up.” Bo looked over his shoulder and nodded. “I’ll meet you up there. Oh and make sure we know where Dominic’s men are. I will not take a chance with our woman,” he said to Argo, who nodded and slid into a pair of black jeans and T-shirt.
“Be careful up there,” Shelly said, meeting his eyes.
“I have someone to live for now. Believe me, I’m taking no chances.” Argo nodded to them and left.
Following them into the bathroom, White Eagle stepped into the tub, taking her in his arms as he sat down. Buck sat on one side as Bo got in too and sat facing the wall. “You know, once Shelly steps outside around the others, they’ll know what’s happened.” White Eagle ran a soapy sponge over her back, cleaning it.
“I was thinking about that. Buck, you and White Eagle are going to have to stick with her the whole time. We don’t need anyone attacking her. I know she can defend herself, but with her carrying our children I won’t have anyone touching her.”
“You know, I’m here and no one is going to get the best of me.” She snorted and slid off White Eagle’s lap and faced Bo leaning against the wall. “So let me get this straight. I now have four mates? You’re not angry or upset to have to share me?” She took the sponge and lifted her leg out of the water, loving their garden-size tub as she rubbed the soapy thing on it.
All three men moaned as she washed her leg and went to do the other, but Bo took the sponge from her. “Allow me. And to answer your questions, yes and no. I had a feeling Argo was your mate, the way he acted around you. Then there was White Eagle’s reaction that had me watching him, but what really clenched the circle was Buck’s almost blood lust around you.” Bo turned his eyes onto Buck, who just shrugged.
“No one informed me that when we find our mate, the blood lust would take over.” Buck looked at her. “I hope I didn’t hurt you. It’s one of the reasons Bo almost shifted inside you. He was protecting you, using his position as Alpha to calm me.”
“That’s why you wouldn’t allow me to look at him?” She looked at Bo and he nodded.
“It’s one thing you should not witness while we were sealing the circle. Come here. Let’s wash you. Time is slipping away from us,” Bo said.
One hour later they were on their way to the surface, Dane grinned from ear to ear next to her. “Just wait till Dad hears.” She moaned and shook her head as both Buck and White Eagle stumbled, causing them all to laugh, easing some of the tension as they approached to the surface.
Chapter Eleven
The wind blew across his skin and Bo sighed. The one thing most of them missed was the open air, but soon this war would be behind them and they could move on. He scanned the ground around the pit. Dominic’s men circled above searching, but there was nothing.
To his right, perched above, was his woman. He could smell her nervousness as she narrowed her gaze on a few of the females who kept snarling at her. “Get rid of them. I don’t need them here distracting me. First warning,” Bo said and made his way to Shelly.
He placed his hands on hers as she leaned over smiling at him. “How are you doing?”
“I’m fine. You didn’t have to send them back inside.” She squeezed his hand. “It feels good to be outside, but even the animals are quiet. I have a feeling things aren’t going to be this peaceful for long.” She shivered and White Eagle placed a blanket around her shoulders.
“Your challenger is here. I love you.” She smiled, but he saw the tears in her eyes.
“Have faith in your man, Little Wolf.” He flexed his shoulders and turned to narrow his gaze on Daniel.
The man was as tall as he was, but his frame was wiry. He stripped out of his clothes and looked up at his woman. “What’s wrong, Alpha, afraid I’d take your woman?” He sneered, trying to edge Bo on.
“Watch what you say, Daniel. Remember I can still send you back to Earth after I kick your ass,” Bo snarled as they circled each other. The first one to pin the other by throat would be declared winner.
Not giving the man a minute to think, Bo shifted in air, attacking Daniel as he shifted. There was no fight. It was over before it began. Daniel whimpered under his cat. The man shifted once more to his human form.
“I was wrong, Alpha. I serve you and your family,” Daniel said loudly to the crowd, who groaned and started to move inside.
Bo released Daniel and stepped back, but heard Shelly’s gasp. Bo spun around to see two others come into the ring to attack him, but Argo was there and so was Buck. Both in their animal forms, ready for them.
“Behind you!” Shelly shouted and snarled.
With Argo and Buck taking care of two intruders, Bo met Daniel head on. With a swipe to Daniel’s stomach, the man roared and countered his move, aiming for his head, but he was too slow.
Bo ducked and bit down on his front paw, flipping Daniel easily before pinning him once more, but this time he ended this threat by snapping his neck. A hush filled the air as the fighting stopped behind him.
Lifting his head, Bo roared to the stars as his heated gaze turned on to the two that tried to ambush him. He shifted and glared at the two men. “You have nothing, so you are nothing. Your punishment is banishment to Earth, since it seems you do not like living here.” At his sentence, the two in question disappeared and he knew the ship had transported them off their home.
“Any others who wish to question my status speak now, because I’m done with this. Shelly is our mate and anyone who disrespects her does not belong here. Let it be known she carries our children and anyone who touches her will die.” Murmurs and glances at their woman had her holding her head up high as White Eagle helped her down into the pit. She made her way to him, baring her neck to him, bowing.
He snarled, pulling her into his arms and biting down on her neck. “Ours.” He lifted her skirt and her, sinking his cock into her. She whimpered, but took his claiming so no one would question them again.
Her pussy tight clenched his cock. Bo knew she was still a little sore so he eased his thrusts. With each thrust he made sure to ground against her sensitive clit. It didn’t take much. Her pussy milked his cock and his seed.
As he lifted his head from her shoulder, hardly anyone was around. “I’m sorry, Little Wolf. I know you are sore.” He pulled out of her, but cradled her. “I love you, Shelly. Let’s gather our daughter and get our tree.”
She smiled, resting her head against his chest. “You’d better put on some clothes first.”
Handing her over to White Eagle, Bo took his clothes that Argo handed him. “Anyone have any idea where to get our tree? I don’t think it’s safe to wand
er into the woods just yet,” Bo asked and White Eagle nodded.
“Let’s get inside. We can discuss it then. Shelly is right, something isn’t right.” He looked around walking towards the entrance when the Dominic’s men gave the signal something was coming.
Everyone ran for the trap door. Even Dominic’s men shifted and met them at the door. Once inside Bo turned to see four Heliokillers circling above. “They know we’re here, but can’t find us. Soon, they’ll attack, not caring what gets destroyed,” White Eagle said before turning to move down the tunnel.
“Has Gourd, Fand, or Jester had any luck finding the last woman? I know your Mom has tried to reach out to find something, but so far nothing,” Shelly said.
“No, nothing, but we’re not the only ones looking for her, so she is most likely in hiding somewhere,” Dane said, stepping in line with them. “I wanted you to know that ship is closing its shields as soon as those four are gone. Enjoy your night, because I have a feeling we will be very busy in the next few weeks.” Dane leaned down and kissed Shelly’s cheek. “Congrats, brat, have a good night.”
With a heavy heart Bo watched Dane walk away. “Let’s go pick up our daughter. Tonight we spend it as a family.”
* * * *
No one said much as they moved towards Dominic’s and Suzanne’s home. Even in the main hall, the mood seemed to have dimmed. The music was off and barely anyone moved around.
A lump formed in her throat as she noticed even the hot cider stand had been closed.
White Eagle leaned down and rubbed his cheek on the top of her head. “Tell me about your folks,” she whispered.
His voice was smooth and deep filled with love as he talked about how his Dad had died before he was four and that his mother had raised him. Both his mom and sister had been killed in the first attacks to hit Earth. He’d been gone on a business trip at the time.
“There was such a hole inside me. Bo kept me busy. He knew I need to keep my mind away from all the grief, but that first time I saw you.” White Eagle smiled. “I was a goner. I knew then and there I would always protect you even if you weren’t meant to be mine, but here you are in my arms. Thank you for giving me a reason to live.” He leaned down and kissed her lips softly.
“Hmm, well, please come in, Anna’s waiting for you,” Suzanne said when she opened the door.
“Put me down, White Eagle.” She squeezed his arm and winked at him as Shelly turned to Suzanne. “Suzanne, I’d like you to meet my mates and yes, you heard right. It seems the fates decided to grant me four strong men.” She wiggled her eyebrows and Suzanne burst out laughing.
“You do know it can also be a pain in the ass.” Suzanne leaned over as if to whisper in her ear. “Especially if they’re all Alpha type—it’s their way or not at all.” She mimicked Dominic’s voice, making her laugh so hard when said man came up behind her and goosed her good.
Suzanne jumped and glared at Dominic. “I thought you were talking to Remi,” she grumbled and rubbed her ass.
“I see that and we’ll discuss my way later, but you could step out of the way and let our guests in,” Dominic’s voice dropped like Bo’s did when he was giving her one of those orders. Shelly’s nipples hardened and she moaned.
Behind her someone squeezed her butt cheek. “I would have thought you had enough today?” Argo said before placing a kiss on her cheek. With his hand on her back, Argo shook Dominic’s hand once they were inside.
“Congratulations to you all. I had a feeling your union with Bo wasn’t complete, but I hesitated to say anything.” Dominic kissed her cheek and looked up at Bo. “So it seems we are running out of time.”
Bo nodded and sighed. “Yes, Shelly could tell when we went outside. The natural animals on this ship were hidden and quiet. We can only hope Gourd and his unit find their woman before this happens.”
“Momma Shelly!” Anna yelled and came running to her. She threw herself at her legs. “I was so afraid you wouldn’t come back,” she cried, holding on tight to her legs.
“Anna,” she said, drawing the child’s face out of her stomach. “You are our little girl now. We’re not going to leave you.” She wiped the tears from Anna’s face. “Did you have a good time?”
Anna nodded her head, but still kept a grip on her leg. “Why don’t you say good bye to Samantha? Make sure to say thank you too.” Shelly turned her around and pushed her towards the other room. “We’re not going anywhere, I’ll be right here.”
She hesitated, but finally nodded and ran into the other room. Shelly sighed and looked up at Suzanne.
“It’s going to take time. Samantha was the same with us, but after a few days of seeing we weren’t going anywhere, she started to relax. I hope those who hurt her are gone?” Suzanne looked behind her at her men and Bo nodded.
“Yes, the ship’s defensive shields finally kicked in and disposed of the problem before we had to physically do it,” White Eagle said.
“Good. We know that Valda and her mates have been working on the ship’s capabilities. Heard you were going to get a tree today. Would you mind if we tagged along? Thought we’d do ours tonight also to keep our minds off what is coming,” Dominic said, but Shelly knew it was also the fact no one knew what tomorrow would bring and right now everyone lived for that day.
“Please, it would be fun to have you with us,” Shelly said and looked back at Bo, who nodded.
“I think we all need to spend time with our families these days,” Bo ran a finger down her cheek.
“I’m ready!” Anna came running in with Samantha, followed by Suzanne’s men pushing two strollers with their children. “Is it true they’re coming also?” Anna asked, excited.
She laughed and nodded. “Yes, your Daddy White Eagle knows where to get a tree so we don’t have to go outside.”
Looking behind around her, Anna frowned. “They’re my Daddies now too?” she asked and all of them laughed.
“Yes, sweetie, like Samantha you now have four daddies, not one,” Shelly said and watched as Anna’s eyes got big and she smiled.
“Cool! Let’s go,” Anna took Samantha’s hand and they made their way to the door.
“I have a feeling those two are going to be very good friends,” Suzanne said and they watched as Samantha walked next to her friend, not saying a word about her sight limp.
“Good. With everything going on their going to need it, like we do,” Shelly said and looked at Suzanne, who nodded and hooked her hand in her arm.
“That we are, my friend, that we are,” Suzanne said as they followed their little girls, who walked behind four of their men, while the other four walked behind them in protection mode, pushing the strollers.
Shelly listened to the girls talk as they stepped into a tunnel she hadn’t been in before. There they ran into Jaycee and her men, pushing the stroller with their little ones. They laughed and hugged.
Moving along, Jaycee looked at her and winked. “You look happy. Whole.”
She thought about what Jaycee said and nodded. “I guess I am. For the first time I feel complete, you know? I thought at first all crying and feeling inadequate was because of the babies, but I think it was also because my mates were close and I needed them like they needed me. Does that make sense?”
They both nodded. “It was like a hole is filled inside of you that you didn’t know you had until they come into your life. There’s a feeling of peace, like a calming effect,” Suzanne said, trying to explain it.
“Exactly. Even now with them surrounding me…well, it’s…” Shelly felt her face heating and both women laughed.
“Believe me, we know. It’s like you’re in a constant state of arousal, believe me. The only time that was a bitch was after I had the kids. We had to wait two weeks,” Suzanne mumbled.
“Try three weeks here.” Jay
cee glared at Remi. “They had to make sure. When it comes to protecting you, nothing, and I mean nothing, will stand in their way.” She rolled her eyes. “You know what I went through in the beginning?” she asked Shelly and she moaned.
“Damn, I hope they’re not like Dane was. I’ll have to kill them,” she mumbled, seeing Bo turn his gaze on her and smiling. Oh, Shelly remembered all right. The hell Jaycee went through had her growling and glaring at her brother’s back.
Jaycee reached over and squeezed her arm. “Calm down. That was a lifetime ago.” She laughed. “Don’t you just love hormonal emotions?”
“No! I’m either ready to rip someone apart or I’m ready to bawl my eyes out. I hate crying. My face gets all swollen and I get red dots around my eyes.” She stopped and looked all around. More than fifty people were walking around the biggest tree farm she’d ever seen, even on Earth.
“Wow!” All three of them said at the same time. “How did Valda have the time to do all this and work on the ship? And how did she get all those spruces here?” Shelly asked and noticed Valda coming over to them with a huge smile on her face.
“Actually, it wasn’t me. I always missed Christmas being on my own so my father and my men worked on getting the trees. Each one is packed in a sealed case of dirt. After using it we can plant them around our homes and yes, they’ll live. The lighting in our tunnels here supports plant life. It will also give us a little of the outdoors since we’re stuck in here for now.”
“It’s absolutely amazing. You have done so much for us already and this just takes the cake,” Jaycee said. “Make sure you tell your father and men thank you.” They all looked to the two little girls. “As you can see, it means a lot to everyone, including us bigger kids.”
“I know. I cried for two hours when they showed me. Now go get your trees and there is no payment since this will only help our home.” Valda stepped back and ran into Owen’s arms. “Sorry, didn’t see you there. Are you ready to pick ours out?” she asked and he nodded.
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