Cade: Le Beau Brothers: billionaire Shifter Series BBW mates (Le Beau Series)

by Dold, V. A.

  While she was making her decision, he hired movers, and then stood with his arms folded over his chest waiting for her to choose what to wear. “You look good enough to eat. Let’s pack up the few things here and I’ll have them sent to my place.”

  They had her packed in less than an hour. “We have a couple of things to take care of at the front desk and then we’re off,” he said as he double checked the suite for forgotten items.

  “I have a unique request,” he said to the bellhop captain. “I’m sending a crew to retrieve our luggage, I would like you to instruct them to deliver the bags to my home.” He shook the gentleman’s hand, slipping him a one hundred dollar bill.

  Then they stepped to the hotel registration desk. “Good morning, Miles.”

  “Well, good morning, Cade. What can I do for you?”

  “I’m returning the keys. Thank you for everything. I really appreciate your help.”

  “My pleasure. Anytime. Are you going to the plantation?”

  “Yes we are, my parents are having a barbeque to meet my mate.”

  “Congratulations! I’m so pleased you found yours. Someday I hope to be so blessed.”

  “He’s one, too?” she whispered as they stepped from the desk.

  Chuckling, “Yes, cher,” he said as he led her to the parking garage.

  Walking up to the attendant, he handed him a ticket then grinned at her as they waited silently. What are you up to, wolf man? The whole time they had been together, they had walked everywhere or hired taxis.

  He grinned at her again and remained silent. He’s enjoying this way too much, she thought.

  The growl of a motorcycle engine brought her attention to the down ramp. The sleek Harley stopped right in front of them. She stared at him, wide eyed. This she hadn’t expected at all.

  He reached into the storage compartment and handed her his extra helmet. After he was seated he helped her on. He raised the kickstand and turned the bike toward the exit.

  She felt his wolf rumble with pleasure as she wrapped her arms around his waist and slid her hands up this stomach.

  Behave yourself or we’ll crash, Cade warned her teasingly.

  She watched the local land and swamps speed by from the back of his bike. This was completely different than seeing it through a car window. It was raw and primal. She sighed with a little frown when they arrived.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “Nothing, I was really enjoying the ride and hate to see it end so soon.”

  “There will be plenty of other chances to go for a ride, I promise.” His eyes sparkled.

  They were in front of a huge ranch style house with a long wraparound porch. She’d owned a house in Denver, but not one remotely this large.

  “Does your whole family live here?” Surely this house was for more than just him.

  “No, just little ol’ me.” He gave her a big, toothy grin.

  Her boxes would be following behind them shortly, and she wanted to see the house before they got busy unpacking or storing her things.

  “We, by that I mean the family, own twelve hundred acres, that equals eighteen and three quarters square miles. The property runs from the river all the way into the bayou with a huge forest of mature trees covering at least half the acreage. We also own a small island about two miles in that was originally used for trapping, hunting and fishing.”

  “What’s it used for now?”

  “A few years ago, my brothers and I renovated it into a modern cabin with all the comforts of home. It comes in handy when one of us needs a little privacy from the family.”

  She could tell by the tone of his voice he loved this place. As she gazed around the area and breathed in the country air, she knew to her bones she would love it too. She finally felt like she was home for the first time in her life.

  He took her hand and walked to the front door. Surprisingly, it was open with just a screen door standing in their way. He gave her a sexy, lopsided grin. “I want to do this properly.”

  He scooped her up, toed the door open, and carried her across the threshold. “You may not be legally Anna Le Beau yet, but in my heart and as my true mate you are Anna Le Beau in every way that counts in the shifter community. Welcome home, Anna Le Beau.” He kissed her sweetly and then set her down. “Let me show you around your new home.” His smile grew larger. “I really liked saying that. Your home has a great ring to it.”

  He took her on an extended tour of the master suite with its walk-in closets, private bath and den. They were sidetracked for a few minutes at the king-size bed. The firmness needed testing. She was able to tour the formal dining room, great room, kitchen and spare bedroom before the truck arrived. The guest wing would have to wait.

  He arranged for the mover to bring the boxes from her place into the house and set them in the den. He’d thought of everything for her. She stayed in the great room, out of the way, until they finished and left.

  “What would you like to do first?” he asked. “I‘m open for anything, I’m just thrilled you’re here.”

  “I need to unpack a few things before they wrinkle. Give me about fifteen minutes and I’ll be done.”

  Cade left her to unpack and place things wherever she was comfortable putting them and used the time to return emails and check in with Etienne about Tim. The sooner Tim was handled, the sooner he could stop worrying he was going to show up on his doorstep.

  He had cancelled all his meetings for the next week so he could stay with her while she settled in. He worked from home, but meetings that required his attendance were a frequent event in his schedule. Next week was soon enough for more investment opportunities.

  It wasn’t long before she emerged from the den looking happy and refreshed. There was a mischievous light in her eyes. “You have a jet tub large enough to swim in back there, Mr. Le Beau. I may require a guided tour of it later.”

  He rumbled his approval of that idea. He was all over that plan. “Between now and your tour of the jet tub, what would you like to do?”

  “Are we able to shift without fear of being seen here? I would really love to see the property, and try out my new wolf.”

  “Yes, it’s very private. That’s one of the reasons the family purchased it a very long time ago. Plus the lay of the land allows for easy defense if we ever needed it. No other shifter family had ever come against the Le Beau’s successfully.”

  “Do you fight other shifters often?” she asked with worry in her voice.

  “No, we haven’t had to do that for a very long time. Before you do anymore shifting you need to know the shifter rules. I learned these as a child. They were put into place by the goddess when the very first shifters had been created.

  Always put your mate before yourself.

  Respect another shifters’ mate.

  Do nothing to expose the existence of shifters.

  Do no unnecessary harm to shifters or humans.

  Respect other nonhumans.”

  Anna said, “So, pretty much, respect your mate and others and keep everything a secret.”

  “Sure, that pretty much sums it up.” He laughed. “Let me tell you a little about the property. The family homes are scattered around the estate. There is a variety of habitat ranging from forest to wetland and bayou which provides an abundance of wildlife. Perfect for a wolf and his mate to run and play. Stay close, cher, okay. Let’s shift and have some fun.”

  Outside, he shifted with ease after centuries of practice. Anna was only hours new to this ability. Changing wasn’t as easy as it seemed and definitely not something he’d allow her to do with an audience any time soon. The last thing he wanted was his mate naked in front of his brothers. She took five minutes and three tries, but she eventually succeeded. Shaking her body and wagging her tail, she gave him a playful little bark.

  He was waiting patiently a few yards into the tree line for her to join him. Telepathic communication was very useful when in wolf form. Are you ready, my foxy little wolf?<
br />
  She rubbed up against him in a very seductive manner and batted her wolfy eyelashes at him.

  Do you want to run, or reexamine the bed? Cade asked.

  Run, I’ll help you examine the bed later. He heard the temptation in her voice.

  He was a huge wolf, much larger than a wild wolf at his 160 pounds. She was a petite, delicate wolf of only one hundred pounds. Even though he was much bigger, he knew she would be able to handle herself in her wolf form. He didn’t envy the wolf stupid enough to underestimate her.

  He took off running, relishing the feel of his wolf’s efficiency of movement. The wolf’s body was streamlined and made for hunting and tracking over long distances. She darted in and out of trees and bushes testing her agility.

  After a short distance he stopped, sniffing the air he scanned for dangers before beginning the tour for his mate. Cher, when you run as a wolf, always stop every so often and scan for any danger.

  He watched her as she sniffed as well to get the scent of what the natural aroma would be so she would be able to smell the difference if there were danger. Excellent, head to your left. I want to show you the river.

  She was amazed at how quickly she covered distances in this form. Within minutes they stood on the riverbank. She smelled the damp earth and wet decomposing leaves and brush. The Spanish moss hanging from the trees had a musty odor and the water was rich with a mixture of layers all its own. She craned her neck to see up and down the river, scanning for danger as she had been instructed to do. All clear, she announced happily.

  He gave her a little yip of encouragement and they set off along the riverbank to the far eastern property line

  Can you smell the other shifters’ scents that have come this way before us?

  Yes, I think I can make out four different wolf scents.

  Perfect, that’s what I smell as well. They’re my brothers’ and father’s scents. In time you’ll be able to tell them apart. If you smell a heavy line of scent like this, you have reached a boundary. We often patrol the edge and the repeat traffic creates a heavy scent line.

  Cade increased his speed, Anna close on his tail. Their paws hitting the ground in a rhythmic pattern soothing to her wolf soul. She loved the feel of the wind ruffling her fur, the sensation was invigorating.

  As they approached the north end of the estate, he slowed to a walk, lifting his nose to the breeze as he scented the air. She mimicked his actions and caught the enticing aroma of game. The scent made her nose twitch with excitement. Her ears flickered as her eyes scanned the surrounding area, expecting to locate the animal with the delicious scent. They crouched down and remained very quiet, waiting. She heard a twig snap to the right seconds before a gorgeous doe stepped into the clearing. She was magnificent!

  They quietly watched her feed for a few minutes before he signaled to her it was time to move on. He led her along the northern border edging the bayou to the western side where the forest was the thickest.

  It would be a ball to play hide and seek around here.

  He responded, you can try, but I’d just sniff you out and pin your sexy furriness to the ground before I had my way with you.

  Oh really, you think you can pin me, huh?

  Damn straight, cher.

  The challenge was on, she swished her tail and shot like a rocket back to the house. She surprised him with her speed in her little body. Next time he’d think twice before laying down a challenge, she thought.

  She beat him by a nose to the front door skidding to a stop before she went right through the screen door. That was close.

  He shifted easily to his human form and sat on the porch swing waiting for her to shift back. He had said getting good would take a long time and a lot of practice to be able to do a change as easily as he did and she was convinced he was right.

  I hate you right now.

  “No, you don’t, you love me. You’re just frustrated. Relax, clear your mind and visualize your human form. Oh, and don’t forget your underwear.”

  She stopped what she was doing and glared at him, letting a low growl escape. I’m not amused.

  Cade barked out a laugh.

  Three minutes later they walked back into the house.

  Chapter 15

  Anna took a deep breath--she could do this. She was sure his parents would be wonderful people, plus she had already met Stefan and Marcus. How bad could meeting them be? She was dressed, so all she had to do was check her hair and face.

  “Should I quickly make something to bring?” She panicked, she had nothing to offer at the party! She felt like such an idiot for not being prepared.

  “Don’t worry, cher, they know we’re newly mated and you just moved in. They’re not expecting you to bring anything but me.” He pulled her in for a kiss, looking very pleased with himself.

  He took her by the hand as they walked the three hundred yards to the main house. She was nervous and she knew he was able to sense it. He often told her his wolf hated its mate being uncomfortable in any way, instinctively he always tried to comfort her.

  The instant Cade rounded the corner, she heard a high pitched squeal of delight.

  That’s my mother, she’s very excited I’ve claimed you. Be prepared for a hug and a lot of squealing, he warned.

  She covered her mouth with her hand to hide her grin as he was almost knocked over by his round little mother. He was caught in a tight hug, rolling his eyes at his brothers over her shoulder. They both snickered at his predicament.

  “Hi, Mom, you’re squeezing a little too tight, I kind of need air here. As soon as I can breathe again I will introduce you to my mate.”

  His mother loosened her hold, blushing and appeared a bit embarrassed. Emma took a step back and smoothed her skirt nervously. Anna thought her exuberance was sweet.

  “Mom, this is my Anna. Anna, this is Emma, my mother.” He quickly stepped back, be prepared, cher, your hug is coming…

  His mother appeared like one would expect a combination gypsy voodoo priestess to look. She had long dark, shiny hair and almost black eyes. She wore a turban thing wrapped around her head combined with a peasant blouse and broom skirt in the craziest pattern she had ever seen. Her multitude of necklaces, bracelets, and earrings created tinkling sounds. Somehow the outfit worked together and she was enchanting.

  The assessment only took her about two heartbeats, but apparently, even a few seconds was too much for Emma to withstand. She swooped in and had her in the tightest hug she had ever experienced.

  “Mother, I think you need to loosen your hold on my mate so she can take a breath.” Cade said as she gasped for air.

  “I’m sorry, Anna, I forget my strength and tend to squeeze too hard when I’m excited.”

  She smiled a genuinely warm smile at her new mother-in-law. She was sweet, loving, and a truly caring person. How could anyone not love her? “There’s nothing to apologize for. It’s wonderful to receive such a warm welcome.” To prove her point, she grabbed Emma and gave her a bear hug in return which had his mother beaming with happiness.

  Have I told you today how perfect you are?

  No, I don't believe you have.

  I’ll be sure to tell you all about it later.

  She had to work at keeping her facial expression bland. She was still a little shy about public shows of affection in front of his family.

  He placed his hand at the small of her back and steered her to the other end of the patio where Stephan and Marcus stood. “Where’s Dad?”

  “Your father’s making sure the steaks are seasoned to perfection and won’t join us until he is satisfied with his artistic gastronomic creation,” Emma said while gesturing dramatically for effect.

  The boys chuckled and shook their heads. Huh, she thought, must be a family joke.

  He left her with his brothers while he made them cocktails at the bar. She was looking forward to a tall cold gin and tonic. Her nerves cried out for a drink, meeting parents was stressful no matter how nice they w
ere.

  He came back and wrapped her up in not only his arms, but his warmth and love. She needed that right now. She actually sighed a little in relief which made Emma smile even larger.

  Emma Le Beau was over the moon seeing Cade’s happiness and she already adored his lovely mate. Their plan to help him meet her had worked perfectly. She was practically dancing in place waiting for her husband Isaac to join them and meet her himself.

  She decided now would be a good time to mention the subject of Anna’s friends back in Denver. Perhaps she could steer the conversation so she would bring up her friend Rose. It would be fairly easy to turn the chat, so the idea of inviting her here for a visit could be offered.

  “Anna, do you stay in touch with any of your friends in Denver? You have been here for what, six months? I’m sure you miss your friends from there.”

  “My sons still live there, and my very best friend, Rose, is there as well. I miss all of them terribly, but they have jobs and lives so I cope with phone calls and Skype.”

  “You and Cade have the house with all those extra rooms, you should invite them to visit soon,” Emma suggested.

  She got a thoughtful expression and nodded her head. “What a perfect idea, the next time I speak with them I will mention visiting. John and Thomas still need to meet him. Since they are self-employed I am sure they can make time to come. Rose might be a little more difficult, her position keeps her so busy she hardly ever takes a vacation day.”

  Emma knew the situation would work itself out. With the seed planted all she had to do was sit back and wait. “I wonder what’s keeping Isaac.” She quickly changed the subject, best to not be too obvious.

  As if on cue, Isaac walked out the patio door. First thing he did was put his arm around his mate, giving her a quick peck on the cheek. Emma excitedly whispered to him, bringing his attention to Anna. As the alpha, Isaac was extremely dominant. He sensed, as he locked eyes with his new daughter, his intensity made her nervous. He had no intention of making her uneasy in anyway, his nature was simply part of the beast. His sharp vision picked up on her trembling hands, causing the ice in her glass to tinkle quietly. His son reacted to her fear by tightening his arm around her protectively and sending him a glare of reprimand.