Dwyer, Dixie Lynn - Were Love Conquers All [Were Trilogy 3] (Siren Publishing Ménage Everlasting)

by Dixie Lynn Dwyer

Charity glanced around the room. That’s when she noticed the triplets’ parents approaching.

  * * * *

  Celeste and Marcus Venificus headed straight towards the young woman who had gained the most attention at the party. She was quite stunning although she conducted herself in a very conservative way. Judging by the reactions of all the males and quite a few females at the party, the young woman could have her choice. The fact that she also gained the interest of Celeste’s sons was intriguing. Dante and Luther could not keep their eyes off her, and Maximus was trying his hardest to avoid her completely. Celeste took that as a sure sign that Maximus was feeling what his brothers were.

  But none of that had truly drawn her to the blonde haired beauty. It was something else entirely.

  * * * *

  “Mother, father, how nice of you to have joined us. I haven’t had a chance to speak with you all evening,” Luther greeted his parents, placing a kiss on both of his mother’s cheeks before shaking his father’s hand.

  Charity instantly felt the bond, a connection of some kind with the mother. Their gazes locked, and Charity was certain the woman felt it, too.

  “This is Charity. Charity, meet my parents Marcus and Celeste Venificus.”

  Before Charity realized what she was doing, as if guided by a higher power, she took two steps back, placed the palm of her right hand over her heart, and bowed in respect for the parents of the Head Alpha. Taking the mother’s hand softly, she kissed the top of it before rising again. Charity repeated the ancient gesture to the husband, who appeared just as pleased with the action as his wife.

  “It is an honor to meet you both. Thank you for inviting me into your home.”

  Charity sensed the confusion around her as Luther exchanged glances with Zagoran and Alexis, who moved out of the way.

  To the side of Celeste and Marcus, Charity caught sight of Maximus, and her heart raced, nearly protruding from her skin for release.

  However, Celeste took that moment to talk to Charity.

  “It is nice to meet you, Charity, and we are always pleased to welcome new friends to our home. I hope you enjoyed the dinner. I noticed Alexis had your ear for quite some time. Did you have enough to eat?” Celeste eyed Alexis as if knowing what Alexis had been up to. Luther cleared his throat.

  “Mother, Charity works for the owner of Caliber.”

  Celeste appeared stunned a moment but quickly recovered. Charity found the older woman to be of strong spirit. To be the mate of a Head Alpha one needed to be tough, diplomatic, and forthright. There was a lot of responsibility with the job. She also had a touch of magic about her. Not too strong, but strong enough to accept the feelings the spirits were surrounding them with.

  By the looks of Marcus, he was a handful.

  The older man had not let his gaze lift from Charity. He was as tall as Luther but much thinner. In his day, he was an amazing warrior. Charity could feel the spirits around the room. She had a feeling this meeting was of importance, and she had the inclination to reveal her true identity to them. However, the spirits warned her that it was not time.

  “I have met your boss, Val. He is…quiet,” Celeste added hesitantly.

  Charity leaned a little forward.

  “He is disorganized. You can say it. Believe me, I know.” Charity smiled, and Celeste returned the smile.

  “What exactly do you do for Caliber?” Luther asked.

  “Are you certain you want to ask me that question directly? I mean, you’ve sent just about everyone over to interrogate me.”

  Marcus and Celeste laughed, but Luther appeared annoyed.

  “Is that any way to speak to an Alpha,” Luther teased, taking a step closer to her.

  “Is that any way to treat a guest, and might I remind you, Alpha, you and your brothers invited Val and I.”

  He stared at her. His eyes glowed ever so slightly while he quietly decided how he should respond. His mother beat him to it.

  “Have you seen the Backus room? There are numerous paintings and memorabilia from those before us?” Celeste asked.

  “No, I have yet to see such a room but would love to.”

  “I will show you so why don’t you come along with me, and I can give you a personal tour.” Celeste looped her arm through Charity’s and led her away from the crowd. Luther began to follow, but Marcus stopped his son.

  Maximus stood near the doorway, looking grim and ready to tear Charity limb from limb. She evaded his eyes and listened while Celeste accompanied her through the mansion.

  Charity thought that Maximus was quite daunting looking. It didn’t take a genius to tell that the man meant business. It was surprising that she hadn’t felt the need to run in the opposite direction from him because of his size alone. He had to be at least six feet tall. His biceps alone were twice the size of her thighs. No one in their right mind would dare challenge such a man, never mind a wolf. In wolf form, he had to appear magnificent. There would be no mistake who was royalty and who was not. Dante and Luther were just as large. However, they didn’t give off the same challenging demeanor. Maximus was a soldier, always on guard and always ready to snap into battle. It unnerved her in a way, but also enticed her. She was attracted to all three of them, yet apprehensive. As Celeste began to describe numerous paintings and family heirlooms, it gave Charity some time to put the triplets out of her head. This alone time with their mother was not coincidental.

  * * * *

  “Who is the young woman the Venificus seem to be hovering over?” Conrad Symporian whispered to his fellow lion and cousin, Dexter.

  “She is an assistant to the owner of Caliber. The Venificus have concerns over the series of attacks on pack members in New Mexico and New Jersey. The company also seems to be slowly overtaking V-Con,” Dexter stated with a grin.

  “Does the Master know?”

  “He’s aware of the destruction of Selcon branch. He is not concerned. By the end of the week, we strike. We will be in and out like the wind, thanks to Davis.” Dexter smiled at Davis.

  Davis, the wizard, was prepared to perform magic to seclude one of the brothers from the rest of the pack during the hunt.

  “What’s the plan?” Conrad Symporian asked.

  “While alone, Davis and I will kill him,” Dexter replied with confidence.

  “Has the master decided who yet?”

  “Yes, it will be Dante,” Dexter announced.

  Conrad Symporian smiled.

  “I will enjoy that immensely.” Dexter smirked, taking a sip from his drink while the Alphas of numerous wolf packs enjoyed themselves. In just a few days, it would be the beginning of the end for the Venificus. The death of Dante Venificus would place them in the soberest of moods. He wished he could stick around to watch afterwards, but that would be too risky. The triplets were close and never strayed too far away from one another during a hunt. He smiled as he absorbed the happiness and celebration taking place around him. The end of the week would be a whole different atmosphere.

  Chapter 5

  “Mother, what do you think you are doing?”

  Charity nearly lost her breath and her footing at the sight of Maximus.

  If it weren’t for Celeste, Charity would have faltered.

  “I am showing our guest some of the family heirlooms.”

  “In our private vault?”

  Maximus was breathtaking and masculine.

  Her tattoo apparently thought so, too, as it pounded against her chest. If this kept happening every time a Venificus brother was within a few feet of her, Charity was certain she would have a heart attack.

  “Maximus! Do not be so rude to Charity. Leave us be.”

  Celeste pulled Charity along firmly as Maximus stood in one place, his large fists by his side.

  As if sensing Charity’s discomfort, Celeste broke the silence as they entered the Backus room.

  “Do not be afraid of him. He will not cause you harm, my dear.”

  “He did not seem too happy about me co
ming back here. Perhaps I should meet back up with Val,” Charity stated, pausing a moment before entering the doorway.

  Celeste locked gazes with Charity.

  “No. There is something I want you to see.”

  Charity felt confused but followed the woman inside the room.

  Charity gazed in awe at the exquisite artwork.

  Numerous paintings of members and supporters of the Venificus pack were depicted throughout the room. She recognized faces and family emblems of the Crimson packs, McFay and Sinclair. She absorbed it all as she took in her surroundings and noticed a large, solid wooden door with numerous locks.

  Charity was caught up in viewing the many pictures, feeling the spirits of their souls come alive at her viewing. She wanted to touch the paintings and the sculptures but was afraid of revealing her identity to Celeste. There would be no way to explain her ability to see the past and foresee the future.

  In that moment, Charity heard the numerous locks on the door come undone. Turning toward Celeste, Charity waited for her direction.

  “Few have seen this room.” That was all Celeste said as she motioned with her hand for Charity to enter over the threshold first. Charity instantly felt the tightness in her chest.

  * * * *

  Celeste watched in awe, knowing that Charity was sent to Venificus for a purpose. Her ability to sense magic and her gift of being a visionary told her Charity was important.

  She watched as the beautiful young woman absorbed the literature, the pictures and memories of the past. If the spirits wanted her to learn the young woman’s identity, it would be at their discretion and pace. She waited patiently.

  It was at the one location in the room where Charity paused and tears pooled in her eyes that Celeste knew who she was.

  Charity watched as Celeste gasped then covered her mouth. The tears rolled down Celeste’s cheeks.

  Charity offered her hand to Celeste. She smiled, and Celeste bowed to Charity before accepting Charity’s hand.

  “Do not be afraid of me, Celeste. I mean you and your loved ones no harm,” Charity whispered.

  Celeste had difficulty controlling her emotions. She heard and had known that the one child born to the two great warriors had been murdered.

  Charity glanced back at the small painting and the picture of her mother and father standing beside Celeste and Marcus.

  “I understand why the spirits have revealed my identity to you. They know, as I do now, the love you had for my parents.”

  “But you were killed the day of your birth,” Celeste cried, still holding on to Charity.

  “My parents knew that I needed protection. If the wrong people or beasts got their hands on me, it would mean the end of the universe. It was a sacrifice they needed to make, and not soon after they were killed as well.”

  “I know. Marcus and I tried to find out who was responsible. There was so much evil and black magic that many of our family members died. We had no choice but to cease our investigation and rebuild our pack. We have been doing so since.”

  “I know you have. It is why I had developed Caliber. To protect all packs without anyone knowing I was protecting them.”

  A tear escaped from Celeste’s eye.

  “You have taken a risk by coming here.”

  Charity turned away from Celeste a moment, for no words needed to be spoken.

  “My parents trusted you and loved you. It is their spirit that has led me here.”

  Celeste wiped her eyes despite the fact that the tears continued to fall. This was obviously a shock for her, and Charity empathized.

  “What do you need me to do? I will do anything for you, my princess,” Celeste bowed her head.

  Charity placed her hand on Celeste’s shoulder.

  “Do not cry. You need to be strong and to continue on as if I am only an assistant to Val.”

  “I understand, but—”

  “Yes, Celeste, what is it?”

  “Whom are you protecting us from?”

  Charity sighed then slowly walked near the other paintings, letting her hand softly glide across the carved wood.

  The walls of the room were custom carved with a series of wolves weaving out from behind large forest trees. There were so many wolves hidden among the carvings, Generations of Venificus.

  “Not just whom, Celeste, but what.”

  Celeste cringed as the uneasy feeling consumed her soul. Instantly she thought of her sons and was filled with concern. Charity was next to her again, taking her hand.

  “It seems the spirits have guided me to your home for many reasons. Trust in those spirits, and be confident that I will protect your sons from harm. They are the main reason I am here. They are the future, the permanent leaders of all packs both here in the United States and in Europe.”

  “This person or thing must be a very powerful threat for the spirits to have summoned you.”

  “The evil ones are responsible for many deaths, including my family.”

  Celeste covered her face with her hands.

  “But, Princess, the evil was so powerful back then that many packs were destroyed. How can you be sure that it won’t happen again? I’m worried about my sons and about the Venificus blood line. They are the last hope for expanding the pack and our future as leaders.”

  Charity consoled her.

  “You must remain strong and be certain to keep our secret. When it is time for my presence to be known, there will be no turning back. Right now the belief that I am dead has our enemies preparing for a takeover that can never take place as long as I am alive.”

  Celeste was about to ask more questions, but Charity stopped her.

  “I promise to protect them. I know you have questions, but now is not the time. We need to return to the party, and I need to convince everyone that I am merely an assistant.” Charity smiled, and Celeste took her hands into her own.

  “My princess, you could never pass for just an assistant. You are gorgeous. Your parents, Pasarra and Lukon, would be so proud.”

  Celeste embraced Charity.

  “Thank you.”

  The two women headed out of the vault and into the Backus room. .

  Chapter 6

  Ferlow, Delta, Dante, Luther, and Maximus gathered in the meeting room. They went over the recent attacks to pack members and other business while waiting for Val and Charity to arrive.

  “How do we know that Caliber is not somehow connected to these attacks?” Ferlow asked.

  “Val did not come across as capable of such deceit.” Dante stated.

  “And Charity, the blonde goddess of the evening?” Delta inquired.

  “No. She can’t be connected,” Dante replied calmly, but his brothers could feel his anxiety and defensive emotion.

  “How can you be sure?” Delta asked, leaning against the wall near the window.

  “I suppose it’s gut instincts.”

  Delta smirked.

  “I believe she went to her room alone,” Delta teased.

  “She didn’t go to Val’s room either,” Ferlow added.

  “Enough!” The sound of Maximus’s voice echoed through the room just as Val and Charity approached the doorway.

  * * * *

  “Damn, Charity, I don’t know if I can take this. That Maximus can toss me with his finger. One look from those dark, evil eyes and I’m road kill.”

  Charity placed her hand on his shoulder.

  “Just do what I told you. If he gets too pushy or you feel scared, push the question off to me as if you can’t even be bothered. You must do most of the talking. After all, I’m just—”

  “An assistant! I know. So does everyone else who was at the party last night.” Val sighed then cleared his throat.

  The sound caused the men in the room to stop speaking immediately. They were greeted by Luther.

  Charity smoothed out her black wool skirt and slim-fitting emerald green sweater. The high-heeled boots gave her a little height, and she was thankful for it as Luth
er approached.

  * * * *

  He lost his breath just from the sight of her. The deep green sweater brought out the emerald color in her eyes. It also accentuated her perfect breasts. He could only imagine how glorious they would feel and taste. His mouth watered, and Luther cleared his throat in an attempt to calm his wolf.

  He licked his lips and focused on the one negative to Charity’s appearance. Her long golden locks were pulled up tightly to the back of her head in some fancy, sophisticated style. He liked her hair down, flowing behind her back or as a shield to shy away from his stare.

  “Charity, Val, please come in,” Luther gestured toward the two empty chairs on the opposite side of the large, oval, cherrywood table.”

  Watching Charity cross the room behind Val, he absorbed her perfect little ass and high heel black boots. The woman was driving him wild with want.

  “Stop staring at her as if you want to devour her!” Maximus interrupted Luther’s thoughts.

  Luther turned toward his brother and smirked. Dante was pulling out the chair for Charity.

  “I can’t help myself, brother. Her backside features are as enticing as her front.”

  Maximus released an annoyed sigh.

  “She looks incredibly hot in those boots,” Dante added.

  “I think I like her breasts the most,” Luther replied.

  “Focus brothers…focus!” Maximus stated firmly.

  * * * *

  “Thank you for meeting with us, Val. I believe that you met everyone last night at the party. Shall we get right to it?” Maximus asked as he sat at the head of the table and locked gazes with Val. Charity nudged Val to remind him not to allow Maximus the advantage of hypnotizing him.

  Val cleared his throat and quickly readjusted himself in his seat.

  “Let’s get on with it. I am certain you are looking forward to the hunt at the end of the week and the festivities this evening,” Val replied more confidently.

  “Yes, we are. I hope you will be joining us,” Luther stated trying to confirm that Val was indeed a werewolf.