“She’s right. You four will do well tonight, but there’s a dark cloud hanging over your city, I’m afraid.” Adora stood and moved to the end of the patio. “It will take all of us, that’s for sure. I believe your friend is coming now, Raul, and he’s also part of this. Maria, we must start the wards now. Your sisters and brothers are waiting.”
“Yes, I feel them. Charley, you and Bella are to do nothing today. If you can’t have a normal wedding, I want you to be spoiled today. Now, stay and finish your coffee, the two of you. Breakfast will be here in a few minutes,” Maria said.
“You didn’t.” Charley’s head shot up, and she had a big smile on her face.
“Your aunts Tally and Mindy are waiting,” Maria said and laughed when Charley gave a big whoop.
Bella turned and smiled at Raul. “Aunt Tally and Aunt Mindy make the best breakfast. It’s like an orgasm in your mouth it’s so good.” She moaned, and he laughed, lifting her from his lap and placing her in the chair.
“I can’t wait to try some. Excuse me while I meet with Lucid.” He greeted his friend with a smile as Lucid stepped up onto the porch. “It’s great to see you, and thank you for meeting us here.”
“I wouldn’t have it any other way. Now, introduce me to this lovely lady,” he said, looking at Bella.
Raul laughed. “Bella, may I introduce you to Lucid Ruber, a very good friend and—”
“And a vampire. It’s nice to meet you. I’ve heard many nice things about you, and I would like to personally thank you for helping us with Teddy.”
“That man won’t be bothering anyone for the next hundred years when I get a hold of him. He will not awaken until I’m certain he has learned his lesson.” Lucid took her hand and placed a kiss on Bella’s palm.
Her face flushed a pretty pink shade and her pulse increased. Very interesting. “Lucid, this is Charley, Bella’s sister, and her mate, Tank.”
Raul watched as Charley, too, seemed to affected by Lucid’s kiss.
Tank met his glance and nodded. It looked like they’d just met the man who would be partnering with their women when the need was there.
“Gentlemen, might I suggest we take his meeting inside so the ladies can enjoy their breakfast,” Gael said, nodding to Herme.
Raul stopped and looked back over at Bella.
“Not to worry, son, they are well protected out here; we’ve made sure of it,” Gael said, slapping him on the shoulder before guiding Raul inside the house. Before they stepped through the door, he heard Bella’s giggles. Ideas of how to make her pay tonight came to him, and he smiled.
Teddy greeted them, holding Sandy in his arms as they came into the kitchen.
“Why don’t you go outside and enjoy the morning with Bella and Charley. If I’m not mistaken, breakfast will be served out there in a few minutes,” Raul said. He leaned down and kissed Sandy’s cheek.
She giggled as Teddy took her outside, and Raul noticed Maria and Adora walking around the living room burning sage as they whispered spells.
“Tally and Mindy are here; we’ll go protect the other rooms.” Adora turned her gaze to Raul. “Your playroom has been protected,” she said, giving him the eye. “Be careful you don’t hurt my babies, young man. I’d hate to have to pay you a visit.”
He didn’t know how the woman got into the room, let alone give him a look reserved for his mother. Raul smiled and bowed o Adora, giving her the respect she deserved. “I would give my life for you granddaughter, and I will promise to try and make her happy.”
Adora nodded. “We all know there will be fights, learn to listen to both your heart and head. If you do that, you’ll have a very happy marriage, as my mate and I have.”
Gael snorted and winked at him. “Go do your work, woman, while we talk,” he grumbled, but Raul saw the loving look he gave Adora, and apparently she did too, because she laughed. “I don’t know how I have any hair left living with that woman,” he said, turning back to Raul. “But let me tell you what we’ve learned already, just coming here.” He sat down across from Raul, and Lucid, Herme, Tank and Mario listened as Gael explained that practitioners of dark magic had taken up residence in Las Vegas.
Raul sat back and looked at Lucid. “Ideas?”
“My men can deal with the leasers, but we can’t touch the six Gael spoke of. Even for me, one of them would be difficult. How about you?”
“I’m new to all of this. I have no idea what gifts I have now or if they’ll even come to me before the union with my woman. No, I won’t count on that.” He glanced at Gael, who was smiling. “What?”
“For now, you will not be able to take on any of our kind magically in war. Later, we’ll see, but for now, my family will deal with the six that threaten you.”
“What do you mean your family? If you think for one minute I’ll allow Bella anywhere near one of these people, you’re mistaken.” Raul hadn’t noticed how tense he was until Bella leaned down and wrapped her arms around his neck from behind.
“Relax, my wolfie; no one here is going to hurt me. Plus, even I’m not powerful enough to face this threat. Remember, like you, I’m new to this stuff, whereas they’ve had their gifts for years.” She placed a kiss on his cheek and rested her head on his shoulder, just holding him.
“I’m sorry, Little Mite.” He reached back and dragged her over the back of the couch and onto his lap, where he buried his face into her neck. “I can honestly say I’m at my end here. Tonight, cannot come soon enough.” He lifted his head and stared at Gael. “I apologize again. Right now I’m not at my best, but I promise my people will be there with us.” He placed a kiss on Bella’s lips and eased her off his lap. “Go eat. I can smell the food.”
“I came in here to get you guys. The food is ready, and you have to try it. Plus, I’d like all of us to be together for Sandy’s first meal here,” she said, pulling on his hand, trying to get him to stand.
“We just sat down, plus we need to talk...” He sighed at the sadness that appeared in her eyes, then disappear as fast.
She released his hand. “Okay, no problem,” Bella said as she moved away from him.
He stood. “Gentlemen, I hope you’re hungry, because all of a sudden, I’m starving.” Raul pulled Bella back against his side as Lucid stood up next to them.
“I don’t have the need to eat, but I’d be more than happy to join your family for this meal.” Lucid ran his finger down Bella’s arm, and she squirmed in Raul’s hold as she looked up at Lucid.
“We’ll talk later about those feelings. Now lead the way, Little Mite,” Raul said and laughed as she seemed to stumble over her own feet, muttering to herself.
He leaned down to her and grumbled, “Not to worry, my friend has that effect on most women.”
Lucid laughed, just as the ground shook under them.
Bella stopped walking and looked up at Raul. “I need to see what’s going on outside,” she said, and he frowned as he turned his attention the door.
“Take her. We’ll surround her and make sure she is safe,” Adora told him, stepping into the doorway. “Two more of my daughters are here along with three of my sons; no one will be able to touch her.”
“I have a question. If you’re the daughter of the Earth, why wouldn’t she stop all this?” Raul asked.
They grew warm, and everyone turned to see Mother Earth standing behind them.
“Because some humans long ago labeled me mother of the Earth. It’s not true. I do have a connection with every living thing, but what rumbles below isn’t part of that connection. This is due to a curse brought on by someone more powerful than her father or myself. Even your spiritual parents, the ones that are condemned to live below, are no match for the one that put them there. The lava is just a sliver of that power that was left behind from long ago. Your father and mother have only so much control over it. If your destiny isn’t fulfilled, nothing will stop it.”
“You’d think us being together would be enough, but no, we have to—” B
ella grumbled next to him, stopping herself before she said “fucking.”
Mother Earth laughed. “If I remember right, that’s why this punishment started. Raul’s father denied his wife his special loving, and if I’m not mistaken, your mate has this same need, which must be let out. Now, if you’ll excuse me, your father is bellowing again for me,” she grumbled before disappearing.
“Hmm, dark loving?” Bella questioned, peeking up at Raul then at Lucid with a nervous look, which only brought the need to the forefront and the ground shook again, this time a little harder.
With each minute, the signs were adding up. Raul glanced at Mario, who nodded. His destiny was up in the air, as were the rest of his siblings’ destinies. The thought sent a flutter to his gut. Each one would have their own problems, and he wouldn’t be able to do anything to help them.
Chapter Twenty
Bella rubbed Raul’s arms, sensing his fear as he looked at Mario. “He is as strong as his brother.” She smiled. “He’ll be a good mate to my sister. Let’s just hope he’s not as stubborn as you seem to be,” she teased, drawing his attention.
“Let’s go, Little Mite, before you see firsthand how stubborn I can get, because the sheer thought of you sticking your hands into the ground right now while it’s rumbling scares the living shit out of me.” He growled and went outside with her. “I don’t do scared,” he grumbled, but followed her to the edge of the porch.
Maria, Adora and sisters moved before them, whispering their spells, which Bella didn’t understand at all. Nope, she was no witch, at least not their kind. She looked at Charley. “How many different kinds of witches are there?”
Adora snorted and pointed to the ground. “Maria, I suggest you have a long talk with these two about our heritage—at a later date, of course. This area is safe from harm.”
As Bella descended the stairs, Raul was right beside her, scanning everything around them as did his hot friend, Lucid. Shaking away her wayward thoughts, Bella knelt and lifted a handful of dirt. “The ground is hard and brittle,” she mumbled and allowed it to flow through her fingers.
Sandy came down the stairs and joined her.
“You play in the sand too?” she asked, and Bella smiled.
“Of course I do. Who wouldn’t?” Bella said while digging deeper into the ground. “The ground is warm. I can hear the rushing of something under us. We’re very close to losing everything around us.” She stood and looked over at Raul, and her gaze dropped to his hard cock. “We can’t have any delays or have anyone distract us from what has to take place.”
Raul’s gaze heated as he scanned her from head to foot. “Nothing will prevent me from taking what is mine tonight.”
She shivered, standing and looking out over the vast desert. They were watching; Bella could feel them, and for the first time in a long time, she was actually scared. Not for herself but for life itself on this world. There were so many who didn’t deserve what was about it happen if her destiny wasn’t fulfilled.
A small hand slid into hers and held on. She looked down to see Sandy smile at her. “Time to eat?” she asked.
“Yeah, time to eat, little one.” Bella moved up a step on the porch to stand next to Raul.
He brushed her hair back and placed a quick kiss on her lips. “I’ll do everything to keep us safe.”
“I know you will. Now let’s eat before our day gets crazy.” She rubbed her cheek against his shoulder, taking a deep breath. “You always smell so good,” she mumbled.
He reached down and grabbed Sandy, putting her in the booster chair Herme scooted up to the table. “Figured you’d need one of these.”
“Thank you. I’m afraid we’re going to have to go shopping when all this is done.” She looked over at Teddy and winked. “I think both kids are going to need some new things. Teddy, when is the last time you had new clothes for school?” she asked, taking the seat Raul pulled out for her.
The boy shrugged. “I don’t need much, and most of my clothes still fit from when Mom took me last time.”
She reached over and squeezed his arm. “I’m sorry about your parents, but you will get new clothes and whatever else you need for school. I meant what I said. This is your home now. I have plenty of money saved up in the bank.”
“There’s no need to spend that money. Mario has already started setting up our joint account. I expect you to use it for our family. There is a separate account for the pack, which you will also have access to. I’m hoping now that you’re here, those that need financial help will step forward. I’ve heard too many rumors that some of the females are afraid to come forward for help.”
Charley handed her a plate and dished up eggs onto Sandy’s plate.
“I’m afraid that has happened to my people, also. I think we come off... how would you say it? Rough?” Lucid said, sitting next to Raul.
Charley laughed and Bella smiled, handing the Cajun soufflé to Raul. “You know, after all this is done, it might give Charley and me something to do if you’d like us to help, Lucid? Charley was a social worker, and I worked with children. At least until you find your mate to take over?”
Lucid sat back, staring at her, then at Raul. “Is she for real?”
Raul laughed and put his arm around her. “I’m finding out more and more about my woman, but if the two of them feel they can help, why not? Maybe that’s what we need to bring our people closer together. We’ve been looking at different ways.”
“It might be indeed,” Lucid said as Maria and Adora joined them at the table along with four other women.
“It is.” Maria reached across the table and grabbed a piece of bacon, glancing over at Raul, then at Lucid. “My two girls are here to help you both. If I’m not mistaken, your friend is more than what he seems. Look deeper, both of you. I have a feeling Tank already recognizes what Lucid is to him. He ties all of you together.”
She turned to stare at Tank, who growled at Maria, which only put a smile on her face.
“Don’t give me that look; I can see the signs.” Maria wagged her piece of bacon at him before stopping and turning to the south. “They’re moving.”
“Who’s moving?” Bella asked. “Teddy, take your sister inside and get a bag packed; we’re taking you to Raul’s parents’ now.” She stood and turned.
“No, let them finish. Herme can take them over when they’re done. We’re safe here.” Maria came over to Raul and placed her hand on his shoulder. “Now you’ll be able to see how they’re setting up and getting ready. They know you’re bringing Bella into town to that club.”
Raul’s phone rang, and he answered it. “Right. Tell Sammy I’m sorry, and we’ll make sure she rebuilds soon,” he said, then listened. “That would be perfect. Bring them here, and thank you.” Raul hung up and placed his phone on the table. “Sammy will be bringing a few of her girls here to help Charley and Bella get ready. It seems her spa has been destroyed. That was where you and Charley had your appointments today,” he told Bella.
Lucid snarled. “Is Sammy all right? Do we need to send a guard?”
Raul shook his head. “Mario sent three of my men there to check out security, and they’re escorting the women here. Sammy and the rest of them are fine.” He turned to look at Bella. “Sammy is the owner of the spa where you and Charley had appointments at.”
“What kind of spa?” Charley glared at Tank. “And what was Momma talking about?”
“Charley,” Bella called to her and looked at Sandy, who was watching them. “Let’s eat this wonderful food and get the children ready, then we can discuss whatever is between our mates, Lucid, and us.” She took a bite of her soufflé and moaned. “God, I’ve missed this.” She looked up as Charley’s aunt Tally came back out onto the porch. “You can cook anytime you want here. I’ll make sure you’ll have anything you need.”
Tally laughed. “Let’s hope we won’t be here long. You and your new family need time to bond. This mess just pisses me off,” she hissed as Adora joined
them on the porch.
“If you have that much energy, go out back and start warding the back walls with your brothers. Your other sisters will be here soon, and then we need to go to this club and ward it,” Adora said.
“What?” Lucid said with a mouthful of food. “You can’t go in there.”
Gael snorted and patted Lucid on the shoulder, coming around the table. “I’m afraid we can and will. My granddaughters will be there tonight and on other nights, and they will be protected. Hurry up, Adora. All of you are going to have to rest afterward to be prepared for the battle coming up,” Gael said, welcoming some of Charley’s uncles and the rest of his sons.
“Why do I have a feeling our home has been taken over?” Raul whispered into Bella’s ear.
“Because it has. Now eat,” Adora said, quieting everyone.
* * *
For the next hour, Raul watched his woman make sure Sandy and Teddy ate their fill and were all ready to spend the night at his folks’ house. When Sandy had asked if Bella was going to be her new mommy, tears filled Bella’s eyes as she glanced at Raul, but Teddy’s shocked them both when he called them Mommy Bella and Daddy Raul.
Even Raul had tears in his eyes as little Sandy hugged him goodbye and called him Daddy Raul.
But watching Bella orchestra Charley’s family was something else.
“You know, I think she can do it. I’ve never seen someone so organized and on task,” Lucid said, watching her.
Raul glanced at him and was surprised that he didn’t feel threatened by Lucid like he had before. “Now, you or Tank want to tell me what’s going on?”
Bella came over and he pulled her into his lap while Charley settled on Tank’s lap. Mario and Herme sat in the seats next to them.
“Our kind don’t have mates like you do, but we do have blood bonds, and Tank is one of mine, and so are Charley, Bella and you. Maybe that’s why we each had such a strong reaction to that room. Remember that scene above where you placed you hand? Don’t you think it’s more than a coincidence that this room is in my club and not here?”
Vegas Is Burning Page 20