“Why are you interested in my daughter?” she asked as Jared took her bags and put them in the car behind theirs.
“I believe she’s my mate, but I won’t know for sure ‘til I see her.”
“Great, not only do I have an old geezer, my daughter will, too,” she teased.
Gage pushed her up against his car, trapping her under his body. “This old geezer will show you soon what we can do. It’s better to have a more experienced man at your side, one who can protect you and show you what you’ve been missing.”
“And what have I been missing, Mr. Wolf,” she asked, placing both of her hands on his chest, staring up at him.
“How a real man takes care of his woman.” He reached out and cupped her face. “Never leaves her wanting or needing love.”
She tried to pull away, but he held her, refusing to allow her to pull away. “But what if I’m not what you need?”
“Then, I haven’t done my work. I’m here to show and teach you the ways of loving.” He leaned down and covered her mouth with his. He slid his tongue into her mouth; at first, she was hesitant, trying to pull back, but slowly, she relaxed under his demand. Her tongue and his twining together in a slow dance that he couldn’t wait to try with their bodies.
“We need to get moving,” Jared interrupted Gage, and he growled, breaking the kiss.
“Wait, payback is a bitch,” he grumbled again and reached around opening the passenger door for her. “In you go, my little lady.”
She smiled up at him. “I don’t know why you keep calling me small, but being around you sure does make me feel like it.”
“Because you are small but full in all the right places,” he said while sliding the seatbelt over her, brushing her breast with his thumb. “Your curves drive me crazy. I can’t wait to lick and kiss every single spot on your body, Raven.”
Gage kissed her lips quick and hard before pulling back and shutting her door. His gaze met Jared’s. “Have we heard anything about the stalker?” he asked Jared before moving around to the driver’s door.
“The police at one time believed it was her brother-in-law. Seems the man couldn’t keep his hands off his brother’s wife.”
“Well, then it seems like we will have some fun after all. Find out everything you can about this man.” Gage said, opening the door.
“I can tell you about him if you want,” Raven’s whispered words had him growling as he looked up to see Jared’s eyes speckled with yellow. Gage knew his wolf was as close to the surface as his first-hand man, his enforcer. Yes, this man would get a nice visit from him before they left Ohio.
Chapter Seven
Raven pulled her feet up under her, as she looked out the window of the plane. Her stomach was full, and her new man sat next to her. She peeked over at him while he was on the phone, still not believing everything that had happened to her.
Hell, just the day before she was worried about starting her new job, but here she sat near a man that claimed her as his mate. Raven did have to admit the man was gorgeous with his dark hair and big eyes. Not to mention he had a body on him that could have her drooling easily. Even when he turned his gaze on her, she swore her panties would get damp as they were now.
“You keep staring at me like that and I’m going to take you to the bedroom in the back, my dear,” Gage growled and turned his full attention on her as he hung up his phone.
She shook her head. “I’m sorry. I just don’t want to rush anything. I did that once.” Raven said and glanced out the window. “But that does not mean I don’t want you,” she told him, looking back at him.
“I’m not leaving, Raven. You are stuck with me, but I’ll prove to you that we are supposed to be together.” He kissed her forehead and rubbed his cheek against the top of her head. “So where are we going first?” he asked.
“Visitation at the hospital is from six to eight. Plus, I need to sign papers since I’m still marked as the next of kin on most of his paperwork,” she said and frowned. “I think we should stay at the one hotel.”
“We’ll be staying in Cleveland. I don’t want you too close to all of this. Do you believe your children will be at the hospital?”
“They’ll be there along with my sister and mom,” she said as he reached over taking her hand and twining his fingers with hers.
“Good, then we face this all together. Where do they want to place your ex?” he asked.
“My sister wants to take him back to the house, but the hospital wants him to go to a nursing home, saying he’s become a little violent.”
“Are you going to see him?”
Raven glanced at the man next to her and could see the nervousness there. “There is nothing there anymore, Gage. There really hasn’t been for the past ten years. I just didn’t want to accept it because I felt like a failure. Do you know how it feels to know after twenty years, it was all a lie? That the only good that came out of our marriage were our kids.” She shook her head.
“It’s one of the reasons I’d like us to wait, get to know each other.” She turned fully toward him. “Okay, let’s start. What is your favorite color? Have you been in a serious relationship? I know your sister Angie. Do you have any more brothers and sisters? Where were you born? What is your favorite kind of food, Chinese, Mexican?”
Gage threw his head back and laughed. “Hold on. Okay, color blue, Mexican food is one of my favorites, I have three younger brothers and another sister. I’ve been in a few relationships. Now you tell me.”
“Red is my favorite. Love Chinese, and well, you know about my marriage. There was a man before him. I was with him for about six years, but we were not married. I have a half-brother in New York but don’t talk to him. He’s been in and out of trouble since he was sixteen. My mom has a very large family. Nine siblings, we have a family reunion every July. I love to travel and would love to go to England, Ireland, and Scotland.”
Gage leaned over and nipped her nose. “I tell you what, when we get all settled with your family, have our bonding ceremony, I will personally take you there myself. We’ll spend a few weeks just seeing the sights.”
“Really? You can take the time away from your people?”
“Yes, really and I have my father and Jared who can step up while we are gone. Plus, I have family in Ireland we can stop there and see them.”
For the next hour, Raven and Gage talked about their families, sharing with each other their likes and dislikes. She had never laughed so hard when he was telling her some of his stories about his brothers. She envied their closeness that Raven never had with her sister.
She looked outside the window of the limo they were now in. Gage had told her they would check into their hotel after their visit to the hospital. The hairs on her arms stood up, and she shook, a cold chill going up her spine knowing they were getting close.
Chapter Eight
Gage glanced over at his woman and noticed her shake. “Hey, it’s going to be okay,” he said, pulling her to him, wrapping his arms around her.
“My family’s not like yours, Gage, far from it,” she said, resting her head on his shoulder. “I’m afraid they are going to cause a scene. Well, my sister. Mom usually tries to keep the peace.”
Jared snorted, and Gage squeezed her shoulder. “We can handle anything they throw at us. Just know you are not alone anymore, lean on me, little wolf, that is what I’m here for. Well, that and other things,” he said, leaning down and placing a kiss on the side of her neck.
She squirmed in his arms, and Gage could smell her arousal as they pulled up in front of the hospital.
Jared stepped out of limo, making sure everything was clear before they got out.
“Are you ready?” he asked her as she zipped up her coat.
Raven cracked her neck and looked up at him. “As ready as I’ll ever be,” she said as Jared poked his head in and nodded to him.
“Well then, let’s go and get this over with.” Gage stepped out before
her, holding his hand out to her.
She placed her small hand into his and rose out of the limo, glancing around. “He’s on the ninth floor. They’ll all be in the waiting room up there,” she said.
He nodded. “Have the car park and wait for us. I’m hoping we won’t be here too long,” he told Jared and moved her toward the entrance.
Moving to the elevators, he twined his fingers with hers and squeezed her hand. “Remember to lean on me,” he said again, knowing Raven had never had anyone who she could count on, but he was bound to change that.
The elevator opened as Jared stepped in first followed by Gage with Raven in between them. She released his hand and rubbed her hand on her pants. “Sorry, I get a little nervous.”
“There is no reason to apologize.” He leaned down and placed a kiss on her lips, wrapping his arm around her, as the door to the elevator opened up to the ninth floor.
“Mom?” a girl’s voice said, breaking them apart.
“Hey, baby,” Raven smiled, breaking away from him and stepping out onto the floor, hugging her daughter.
“Who are the hunks behind you?” she whispered to her mom, who laughed.
Raven stepped back into his arms. “This hot man is Gage, he’s...” she frowned and looked up at him.
“I’m her fiancé; we’ll be getting married as soon as your mother agrees,” he said. He held out his hand.
Her daughter smiled and shook his hand. “I’m Tara, and I couldn’t be happier. Mom needed someone to take care of her for a change.”
“And you think he can do that?” Raven challenged.
“You know I’m up to it, so quit arguing with your daughter.” He leaned down and bit the side of her neck, making her moan.
“Wow.” Tara fanned herself.
“Sorry about that. Seems I have to keep reminding your mother she is not alone anymore. Tara, I’d like you to meet my good friend, Jared.” Gage introduced his enforcer, watching as she turned her focus on him.
Jared held out his hand for her, taking her smaller one into his. Instantly, Gage could see the interaction between them. Yes, his friend had just found his mate. This was going to be a very interesting visit.
But that would have to wait, as his woman stiffened in his arms. Gage turned to see a man walking toward them.
Raven reached out and yanked her daughter behind her. “Sal,” Raven said.
“Took you long enough to get here. Who are they?” he asked, nodding to Gage and Jared.
“I’m her fiancé, and I really don’t appreciate your tone with my woman,” Gage growled and stepped in front of Raven as Jared moved up next to him, keeping her protected.
The man stepped back and looked at him, trying to see his woman. “I came to tell Tara her father was lucid if she would like to see him,” he said and spun around, moving down the hallway.
“Wow, never knew my Uncle Sal could move that fast,” Tara said, not realizing that Gage was ready to rip the man apart.
“Let’s go see your father. Then, I need to sign those papers before we leave,” Raven said, patting his back and pushing past him, but he latched onto her.
“We do this together,” he told her, and she smiled up at him.
“I have to say I did love seeing the man cower. He’s never done that,” she said.
Tara laughed. “If anything, he’s gotten worse.” Her daughter said, moving forward.
“What? Did he hurt you?” Raven asked, reaching out to touch her daughter's arm and earning a growl from Jared.
“No, I always stay around Rusty or dad if he is close,” Tara said as they moved down the hall.
But before they came to the room the brother-in-law had gone into, a tall, young man stepped in front of them. “Mom,” he said as Raven stepped up to him and hugged him tightly. At first, he stood there but then relaxed, wrapping his arms around her, hugging her. “I’ve missed you.”
“You know where I’m at. You are always welcome,” Raven told him but also looked at Tara.
“Is your boyfriend here going to have a problem with us visiting?” he asked, sizing him up.
“I would never stop your mother from visiting with her family. There is always room at our home for you. My name is Gage Hunter, and I’m not her boyfriend. I’m the man who is going to marry her. She lives with me now.” Gage said, holding out his hand to her son.
Rusty shook his hand and smiled. “Anyone who can make Sal run and sputter is impressive, just don’t hurt her. She’s been hurt enough, even by family,” he said, looking over his shoulder as a woman stepped out of the room where he had come out of.
“Lisa,” Raven nodded her head.
“Raven, who did you bring with you?” the woman asked, checking them out as she stepped up to them.
“Gage, Jared, this is my younger sister. You know the one who screwed around with my husband. The one I told you about,” Raven said, not taking her gaze off her sister.
“Raven!” Another lady, older, shouted behind her. “Do you really have to start that now?”
“Ahh, this would be my mother. Gage Hunter, meet my mother, Anna Zanderfield. A running cheerleader for my sister no matter what she does. Mom, meet my fiancé, Gage Hunter, and his friend, Jared. Now, if you will excuse me, I’ll go see my ex and sign these papers.” Raven was ready to bolt.
Gage wrapped his arm around her. “Excuse us, maybe we can speak another time,” Raven said and moved them around the two women, ignoring them. The hurt radiating from Raven was driving him crazy. He knew she was close to crying, and he wasn’t the only one who had noticed.
At once, both Tara and Rusty stepped in front of them. “Leave her alone. Haven’t you done enough,” Rusty snapped at both of them.
“Rusty, that is your grandmother,” Raven said. “Let’s get this done; then, I’m out of here. If you want to come with us back to the hotel, we can talk,” she said and pushed into the room, seeing a man that looked thin and practically bald. Next to him was his brother Sal.
Raven didn’t introduce him. “You have a choice, nursing home or my sister’s home. What do you want?”
“I can see you’re still the bitch. You are nothing like your sister,” the man in the bed said.
“Nope, that I’m not. I’m not a lying slut. Now tell me, or I’ll allow the hospital to decide.” She growled and never had Gage been prouder.
“Who’s behind you? Aren’t you going to introduce your new man to me?” he sneered, and that was it.
Gage lifted her up and pushed her toward the door before he turned to the man in the bed. “You are lucky you’re in bed, or I’d rip you apart. Maybe it’s fitting you have what you have since you have destroyed your family. You or your brother come near my woman, and I won’t hesitate to kill you even if you are sick.” He looked over at her children. “She has done enough for everyone. It’s time for someone to take care of her.” He spun around, seeing her standing there with tears rolling down her cheeks, but with a smile on her face for him.
“Ready?” he asked, and she nodded.
“Never been more than ready,” she said and allowed him to take her out of the room, hearing her ex behind him that he wanted to go to her sister’s home. But what was a little shocking was the fact both kids followed them out of the room.
Chapter Nine
Raven glanced out the window behind them, seeing her son following the limo with Tara in the car with him. She was done. Raven had finally broken away from that part of her life. She glanced up at Gage, who was watching her.
“Thank you for standing beside me,” she said, reaching over, placing her hand in his.
He smiled. “I told you I’m here for you, and I never lie, Raven.” He glanced back out the window. “I’m still surprised Jared allowed your daughter to ride in the car with your son,” he said, turning his gaze on his friend.
“Funny; it was hard, but I had a feeling the hospital wasn’t the place to discuss this.” Jared
looked at her. “What are your thoughts about this? I don’t want to scare her, and she seems so fragile.”
Raven cuddled up close to Gage and stared at Jared. “My daughter is smart, but it takes her a few times to get things right. She learns things different than we do. I’m not going to lie to you, sex is the last thing on her mind, well was ‘til you walked into her life. She had a bad experience, so be warned she might be a little shy when it comes to that.” Raven shook her head and sat forward.
“I’m trusting you with my baby, and she is my baby. If you hurt her, be prepared because I won’t hesitate to come after you with everything I have. But whatever you do, never lie to her.” She sat back and looked out the window. “Like me, she’s tired of being lied to over and over again.”
“You’re not talking about just your husband, are you?” Gage asked, wrapping his arm around her and kissing the top of her head.
“No, I’m afraid my son has taken up that habit. He knows how much I hate it, and usually, he’ll tell me the truth but not all the time. I guess I’ve failed him more than anyone.” She looked up at Gage. “I just couldn’t be the father he needed.”
“And you shouldn’t have been. He’s still young. There is time for him to change. Maybe I can help with this? I gave the address for the hotel we are staying at to your mother. Asked her and your stepfather to join us for lunch tomorrow. I thought we would go to that little shop you want to visit and then meet your family for lunch.” He rubbed his chin on the top of her head, and she sighed.
“Do you know how good it feels to have someone else make decisions?” Her voice cracked, staring out the window as tears filled her eyes. “There were days I’d just leave and walk around the mall, so I would have peace. No decisions, no one calling saying I need this or that.”
“I’m afraid you’ll have decisions, little wolf. You’re the pack alpha—” She reached up and covered his mouth.
“If you say bitch, I’ll bite you,” she growled. “I’ve been called that enough, and I will not be called it again.” Her gaze went to Jared, and he held up his hands.
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