Charley snorted too. “Do you believe the gall of that man? He owns me? Please. I’ll show him what owning me is all about,” she mumbled and turned into their apartment complex, then stopped the SUV.
They couldn’t go any farther because of the roadblock, and what Bella witnessed had her stomach in knots.
“I’m so, so sorry, Charley. You’ve had nothing but trouble since you’ve been around me. Now it’s all gone,” Bella said as Charley pulled back out onto the road, heading away from the pack house. “Where are we going?”
“I need a beer; what about you?” she asked, and Bella smiled.
“Train Station or The Lake. Yeah, The Lake’s perfect.” Charley smiled. “So tell me, who do you think is doing this?” She asked as she drove toward the bar that sat by the lake in Lorain.
Bella opened the window and allowed the night air to blow over her. “Most likely dear old sister and my folks. I knew they were mixed up into some powerful stuff, but it’s obvious they want me dead now. But why?” She shrugged, looking down at her feet.
“I have to admit I’m glad one of the girls at the club was my size. Did you know I moved my toes earlier? Just them, but it’s a start. Maybe by the time we get to Vegas, I’ll be out of the wheelchair.”
“Don’t rush it. You need to relax. I don’t care what species you have running through your veins, what you’ve been through in the past 48 hours—, what we’ve both been through—is just too much. Yep, we need a nice, quiet place to stare out at the lake while we enjoy a beer. God knows when we’ll get a chance like this again.”
Charley pulled out onto Route 58 and turned on the radio.
“Do you really want to come with me? You know you don’t have to. I mean, this is going to be in a new state,” Bella asked, looking over at her friend.
“Honey, where you go, I go. We’ve been best friends since second grade. When we get to the bar, I’ll call home, but I won’t tell them what’s going on just in case your folks are watching the phones. Plus, we sure don’t need all six of my brothers bearing down on us with everything going on. Look at what happened at prom! God, that was a mess.” Charley groaned and Bella smiled.
“Well, at least I got one dance that night,” Bella said. “Paul was great for that alone; he’ll always be special to me.”
Charley laughed. “Honey, he thinks of you as a sister, and seeing you cry that night killed him. It killed them all. Do you know they cornered Daisy when you were 12 and told her if she ever tried to touch you, they’d make sure her life was hell? Your dad might have some pull, but so did my mom’s side of my family. You don’t mess with us Creoles; we’re a mean bunch.”
Bella snorted. “You’re telling me this? Remember, I’ve seen Danny at his best.” She shivered.
“Yeah, that was a bad night even for our family,” Charley said and jumped when the car phone rang. “I’m driving, so you get to answer that one.”
Bella snorted. “Chicken.” She grabbed it and took a deep breath. “Hello, Charley’s driving right now and can’t come to the phone. Please leave a message after the beep. Beep!”
“That is not funny. Where the fuck are you two? Did you know your apartment building is ablaze right now?” Mario growled.
“Yeah, we saw it. You know where we are since you’re tracking us, so stop the nonsense. We’re going to have a nice drink, just the two of us. We’ll see you later.” Bella hung up before he could say any more.
“You know that guy is hot, and if his older brother is anything like him, you are in so much trouble. I swear, the sparks were flying when he walked into the clubhouse, and supposedly, he’s not your mate. Damn.” Charley fanned herself and turned off onto the private road leading to the bar.
“Yeah, and it sucks, because not one man will freaking touch me now, and all my toys have been burned. Let’s hope we have enough time to enjoy our drinks. Damn, and I can’t even dance with anyone. This so bites the big one,” Bella whispered, feeling a little lost. Her whole life had been pretty much wiped out—her belongings and her car, and on top of that her family had betrayed her. Yeah, it sucked.
“Hey, we’ll get through this.” Charley parked the car and turned to her. “We always land on our feet; we have money in the bank. We’ll be fine. Now let’s get that bottle of beer, shall we?” She got out and went around the SUV and grabbed the wheelchair from the trunk.
Twenty minutes later, they settled down at a table out on the deck and stared out at lake with the full moon shining down on it. Bella took a sip of her beer, just listening to the music. The bartender had hugged her and Charley. He’d known them for a few years, and he gave them their first drinks free, like always.
“They’re going to be here soon,” Charley said before taking a drink.
“They’re already here.” Bella nodded to two of the guards who spread out at the back of the bar by the lake.
“Great. I was hoping we could just relax for a little bit,” Charley mumbled, looking behind her. “And of course they brought reinforcements.” Three men stood by the door leading to the deck, while Tank and Mario came over to the table.
Mario snatched Bella’s beer out of her hand. “You don’t drink while you’re on pain pills.”
Bella glared up at the jerk. “Put the beer down now. I’ve lost my car, my supposed family, and everything I own. I’m not in the mood, and I didn’t take the pills. I’m not that stupid,” she snapped. “And for the record, you have no say in what I do. I’ve known you for what, four hours, and you’re trying to take control. Don’t. You are not my damn master.”
“No, that honor will by my brother’s, but he has given me permission to spank your butt for putting yourself in danger,” Mario said, kneeling next to her and setting the beer in front of her. “You are a beautiful lady and a perfect match for my brother. He’s not going to know what hit him when he sees you.” He slid his finger down her cheek. “Beautiful.” He looked behind him at the dance floor and grinned. “Come dance with me. That way I can at least say I had your first dance,” he teased.
“Um, I’d take you up on it, but...” She pointed to her legs, and Charley leaned over the table hissing at him.
“That is not nice teasing her, what—”
Mario leaned over and lifted her out of the chair.
“Wrap your arms around me, little fireball,” he whispered and carried her back into the bar, where he started to dance.
Chapter Six
He was going to kill his brother; that was all there was to it. Raul growled as he watched the video of Mario dancing with his woman.
“She’s pretty but awfully small,” Karina said as she and Rafael watched the video as it played on Raul’s phone.
“So if you’re as romantic as your brother here, you might do okay.” Charley turned the phone back toward herself. “I can’t talk long, but I’m warning you. If you hurt her, I’ll send every one of my brothers after your ass, and that is just after I hunt your ass down and... Damn it, Tank! Give me that phone.”
“Woman, do you know who you just threatened?” Tank pulled the phone back, showing him. “Sorry, Alpha, please forgive my woman. It seems this day has been too long for her. But that will not stop me from punishing her butt for being so rude tonight,” he growled glaring at her friend.
“Ha, try it. Remember, you didn’t want a full-time person in your life,” Charley said in the background.
Tank moaned. “Again, I’m sorry, sir.”
“Not a problem, and tell your mate I look forward to finally meeting her. Also, inform my brother I expect a call as soon as that dance is over.” He growled and ended the call.
Rafael and Karina looked at him and busted out laughing. “I can’t believe it. You’re actually jealous of Mario and you haven’t even met the lady. Oh man, have you fallen hard. This is going to be good.” Karina leaned over him. “Rafael, watch how the almighty alpha fumbles when his woman comes to town. You’ll see everyone isn’t perfect.” She sat back and smiled.
>
“But I’m proud of Mario, Raul. I don’t know how this Bella is even forming sentences at this point. She’s lost so much from what her friend said. I just can’t fathom losing her family and her home.” Karina sat on the couch and shook her head, pulling up her legs and hugging them to her chest. “I know one thing. If her sister was around, I’d personally rip her apart. You should have seen some of things this bitch did to Bella as they grew up. The files I have, the hospital records...”
“I’ll read them tonight, but maybe when she comes, you two can help her and her friend. I’m going to set them up in my old apartment for now. I think it’s best I take it slow with Bella. I know there’s a connection between us, but as if she is my mate?” He shrugged. “I could just feel jealous at the thought of Mario being there with her when I should be instead. Or because other men are near her and I’m not. You know, if this legend is true, the three of you will follow suit. Are you ready for your destiny?”
They shook their heads. “Right now, I just want to finish school. I’ve had enough excitement this past month.” Karina said.
“I have to agree with you there, but I’m afraid it’s going to get worse before it gets better. Go turn on the TV and get the popcorn ready.” Raul held up the phone. “I have a younger brother to snarl at.” He winked and moved out to the porch.
“What the hell were you doing?” he snapped when the call connected.
“I was holding on very tight actually. I wanted to say that I’m sorry my friend threatened you. It was wrong, and she had no right. After all, we don’t even know if I’m yours or not,” Bella said, and her voice calmed him.
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to snap. You shouldn’t be taking off, Bella. What if something happened to you?” he growled and she laughed.
“Something has happened, Raul. I just needed to feel normal for a minute, and having a quiet beer with a friend, well, it helped. I love the water and watching it come on the shore. It’s peaceful here, and it’s sad that I have to give it all up. Oh, and don’t be too mad at your brother. He was a gentleman, unfortunately,” she mumbled and he smiled.
“If you’re nice, maybe I’ll allow you to dance with me if you want,” she said.
“Oh, I want, and I can promise I won’t be a gentleman, little fire. Soon, I’ll help put those flames out,” he growled. “Now let me talk to my brother and you go get some sleep. Tomorrow will be a long day in the car. Wait! Why don’t you fly here in the plane? There is no need for you to drive now.” He cringed saying the words hurting her.
“I guess you’re right. I’ll talk with Charley. Here’s your brother.”
Raul heard Mario asking her what was wrong before he came on the line.
“Damn it, Raul, what the hell did you say to her?” he snarled.
“Getting a little protective there, brother, aren’t you? And I screwed up. I just suggested you fly back here since there was no need to drive. I didn’t mean to hurt her.” Raul sat on the porch railing as one of his wolves howled in the distance.
“Wait until you meet her, Raul; it’s the strangest thing. I’ve never in my life just wanted to put a smile on someone’s face more than I did tonight. The sadness inside her was killing me. She has the same fire inside her as you do, but with her, you can actually see it in her face. I swear, she’s like part of the Earth itself. She didn’t know I was watching earlier at the pack house, but she was sitting by a window, staring outside when Bella noticed a pot of dying flowers. I think they were African violets. Anyway, she set it in her lap, whispering to it while touching the leaves. After a few seconds, she put the pot back, and as Bella move back out to join the conversion, the damn flowers came alive, I kid you not.” Mario sighed.
“Leaves that were turning brown were now green and full of life. Blossoms that weren’t there five minutes ago were starting to come out. Where the plant had been small in the pot, it now filled it, and it was growing so much. This lady is special, and what’s even more amazing is that she doesn’t think so.”
Raul frowned. “Little brother, do not go getting attached. I might have to rip your head off.” His snarl had Mario laughing.
“No, she is your destiny, brother, not mine. Soon my time will come. Already, I feel the call to leave.”
“What? Where?” Raul got up and paced. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
“Don’t you have enough to worry about? You concentrate on Bella, not me. She needs you, but I will tell you this. As soon as things settle down at home, I’m leaving. Yellowstone is calling my name,” Mario said before he hung up.
“Yellowstone? Fuck!” They were all screwed if Yellowstone was even hinting at erupting. “Fuck!” He slammed his fist into the wall of his house as Karina came out and gave him the stink eye.
“You just built this place and already you’re putting holes in it? Smart, brother, real smart. Now what has you in an uproar?”
“Yellowstone!” he grumbled and moved past her into the house. “Mario is going to Yellowstone after things settle here.”
Karina hissed and followed him. “But, but if that... Damn, can’t we get a few years’ rest?” she muttered and shook.
“Hey now, stop worrying. Everything will be all right. We don’t even know if this is really happening.” Raul turned, holding out his arms for her. She slid into them and hugged him tight.
“But what if it is and we screw up? Why do we have to be the chosen ones? I didn’t ask for this. I just want a normal life, Raul. Someone to love me,” Karina said into his chest.
“And you will have that, I promise.” Raul squeezed her tight, hoping it would be so, not only for her, but for all of them. He glanced at Rafael sitting on the couch and could see the worry in his gaze. “We’ll make it because we’re Lombardis. Look at what our father has accomplished alone.”
Rafael and Karina nodded but were quiet, as if the reality of their situation lay heavy on their hearts.
* * *
Bella stared out the window. Mario drove the SUV now, while Charley was with Tank in the car ahead of them.
“What’s your brother really like? Don’t you think all this destiny stuff is driving him nuts? Do you really believe it?” she asked and he shrugged.
“Our kind has always known when we find our mates. The wolves inside of us won’t allow us to forget this. Yes, the wolf is separate, but it’s also a part of us. He is the animal you see in the movies and the beast in horror films. Maybe that is why my family was chosen, because of our strength and ability to see the needs of others. For generations, our family has always placed others first and taken care of the weakest ones.” Mario peeked over at her as he stopped at a light.
“As to my brother, he’s all alpha. The way the pack comes to him when something is wrong...” He shook his head. “My father was one of the strongest alphas in the US, and my brother is twice what my father ever was. I’ve seen him go from consoling a woman who lost her husband to ripping a man’s innards for threating to hit an older woman. He’s not the easiest person in the world, Bella. I’m not going to lie to you. If you are his mate, he will be possessive and demanding, but he will give you everything you need.”
“A person can’t live on need alone, Mario. Will he be able to love me for me? Or is all of this to save millions of people? Don’t get me wrong, I know my place, but are we to give up on our dreams, or are they entwined with this destiny everyone speaks about?” She sighed. “I’m sorry, I don’t mean to go on and on. So are we flying to Vegas tomorrow?”
He nodded. “Raul’s plane will be ready to leave at ten. I figured if you wanted, we could make a quick stop at a store so you could pick up a few things. Tank has arranged a private opening of one of the downtown boutiques for us,” Mario stated, once more looking back into the rearview mirror.
“What? Is someone following us?” Bella glanced back in her mirror and growled. “Can’t she fucking leave me alone?” Bella watched as one of the tires on her sister’s car popped, causing her to swerve and st
op at the side of the road.
“That’s a cool trick, but her car isn’t the only one.” He nodded to two other cars, one on her side and one on his.
“Really?” Bella glanced at the hood of the car on Mario’s side, and it flew back, smashing the car on the driver’s side of its car. She looked at the man pointing a gun at her on her side of the car and laughed. “When will people leave me the hell alone?”
The man dropped the gun, shaking his hand as his car ran off the side of the road and right into a brick wall.
“You might want to call the pilot and see if we can go tonight. I don’t think they’re going to stop, and I sure don’t want people around Daisy getting hurt because of me. Not that I want your people hurt, either. Well crap, maybe you should just let them have me.” She banged her head on the window.
“Stop it,” Mario growled and picked up the phone. “Go to the airport, Tank. I’ll wake up the staff now and have them ready the plane. Bella is right; it’s too dangerous for her to be here. If she gets where she’s supposed to be, they might stop.”
He hung up and dialed another number. “Hey, Raul, call the captain and have the pilot ready. We’re coming in tonight. Yeah, there’s been another attack and she’s ready. Where do you want us to go when we come in?”
Mario glanced at her and winked. “Will do. See you in a couple hours.” He hung up and followed Tank to the airport in silence.
Bella stared out the window, watching the scenery go by, knowing this might be the last time she’d be in Ohio. She hated to admit it, but maybe going to a new state was a good idea. A fresh start. Now, all she had to do was find a job—crap, her job. Bella dug in her purse and pulled out her phone, but before she could dial, Mario grabbed it and threw it out the window.
“What the hell was that for?” She glared at him.
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