Vegas Is Burning

by Trinity Blacio

  “Lucid, you still have connections in Florida?”

  “Yes, a few. What do you need?”

  “It seems this group has a home base there. Maybe Sammy’s mates are there.” Raul glanced up at Sammy. “If they’re alive.”

  “Done.” Lucid pulled out his phone and glanced at the computer. “Your men are strong, and it’s only been a month. Don’t give up hope, Sammy.”

  “Thank you, all of you. I think I’m going to go home and spend the night with my children.” Sammy leaned down and hugged Bella. “Thank you for everything, and just call me when you’re ready to talk. I’ll help any way I can.”

  “We all will,” one of Sammy’s employees said. Raul looked at her and for the first time noticed she was a vampire.

  Raul looked over at Lucid, and he, too, noticed Bella had already started to impress both of their people. “Thank you again for coming, Sammy, and I’ll be looking for a place for you to open up again, but until then... Lucid, what do you think about putting them in the front office spot of the club? We also could send the women from the club there.”

  Lucid nodded. “Call me tomorrow,” he said and moved out of the room as he dialed his phone and began talking to his contact.

  Bella and Charley moved back into the bedroom with Sammy and the women, who were going to help them clean up. Raul turned the laptop around and glared at the screen. To think he’d actually had Garth guarding his woman; Bella could have been killed. It also explained how the others got into the pack house. He drummed his fingers on the table as Maria’s sisters came back inside and moved to the rooms that they were assigned to. Their husbands joined him around the table as the rest of the men came back inside too.

  Tank took his seat across from him and Lucid next to him. “We need to change the route we take to the club. I also want to go in a little early. They believe we’re going in tonight, so I want to get there around three. After we complete the bonding, I want to see if we can wipe these assholes out. We don’t need them attacking my family or Bella’s family later on. This has to stop here.”

  “There will always be others, but taking them out might give at least Mario time to find my sister,” Bella said and spun around, leaving again.

  He glanced at Charley, who was shaking her head. “You’re talking about it as a job. Why not just fuck and get it done? Some special night this is. Tell me why have us go through all of this pain with the hair removal if it’s nothing but a quick fuck?” she snarled before spinning and taking off.

  “Herme, no one is told until we’re ready to move. Now, if you will excuse me, I have to apologize to my mate.” Raul stood, then glanced at Tank. “When Garth comes in, no one say a damn thing about our plans. We don’t know who he’s connected with. Also, don’t allow him anywhere but in the living room, and don’t let him think we are on to him. That will be my pleasure.” Raul growled and moved down the hall, trying to think of something to say to his woman.

  Charley had hit it on the head. The ceremony was a quick fuck. How could they relax and enjoy the night if he had...? Raul stopped and smiled, knowing what he would do.

  He opened the door to their bedroom and saw Charley and Bella sitting in the chairs, looking out over the sandy landscape.

  “Charley, would you excuse us, please? I need to speak with Bella.”

  “Bella?” Charley asked, looking at her for confirmation.

  “Charley, now,” Raul snapped.

  She whined, lowering her head, and moved toward the door. He placed a finger under her chin. “Little sister, I promise what I have to say to Bella will make her happy. She can inform you what’s going on after I talk it out with her. But in the future, especially in front of the pack, I expect your obedience. Sometimes we could be in a life-or-death situation, so you must not hesitate, understood?”

  “Sorry,” she whispered as tears filled her big, dark eyes.

  “Very good, little wolf. Go on, your mate is waiting for you,” Raul said, nodding to Tank, who stood waiting for her.

  Tank opened his arms, and Charley flew into them, crying, right where she should be.

  Raul turned to see Bella standing and glaring at him, her hands clenched into fists at her sides.

  He kicked the door shut and pointed to the chair she’d been sitting in. “Sit. We need to discuss what I came up with, and I don’t have much time. Garth is a traitor, and I don’t want him to hear our plans when he shows up, so please don’t say anything to Charley until after I dispose of him.”

  Bella gasped but moved to the chair she’d been sitting in. “Is he really a traitor? I thought he liked me. Why?”

  Raul pulled Charley’s chair in close to Bella and sat, staring at her. “You know why, Little Mite. As soon as the threat Garth poses is eliminated, I’m sending word that we’re leaving now.” He took her hands. “But you will be staying here where you’ll be protected. If we can destroy the threat that’s out there now, we’ll come back and have a nice dinner before leaving for the club.” He took her hands. “I’m sorry my words sounded so harsh earlier, as I’m sure you’re just as tired of this destiny crap as I am. I want it over. But I also want to enjoy tonight, enjoy seeing how much my woman can truly handle, and claiming what is mine.”

  Bella stood and crawled onto his lap, wrapping her arms around his neck. She kissed his lips softly. “But what if you don’t come back and you’re right? I hate what’s happening, Raul. I feel as if something is going to rip us apart at any moment. That once more my life will be torn apart. I’m scared.” Bella laid her head on his shoulder and buried her face into his neck. As she shook, her tears his skin.

  “Oh, Little Mite, don’t cry. I promise we’ll get through this.” He pulled her back and wiped her tears. “I tell you what. I promised myself I’d never have a big wedding, but for you, I’d do it. How about a spring wedding with the pack and Lucid’s people?”

  She stared at him, and a small smile appeared. “Really? We can plan a big wedding?”

  He groaned. “Yes, but it must be held here in Vegas since we can’t leave for that long, and I want it to be held this spring.”

  “Can we have Lucid there too?” She jumped up and paced. “Maybe a double wedding with Charley?” She stopped and frowned.

  “What?” He stood and wrapped his arms around her.

  “You didn’t ask Lucid. What if he doesn’t want to?”

  “What wouldn’t I want?” Lucid came in with Tank and Charley.

  “I’ve informed Bella she can plan a big, formal wedding, but it must take place in the spring and here in Vegas. She wants a double wedding with Charley.”

  Charley squealed and jumped up and down while Tank groaned, but he had a grin on his face. “But Tank didn’t ask me to marry him,” Charley said the same thing Bella had.

  “That’s because you will marry us,” Tank growled.

  Charley crossed her arms over her chest and glared at him. “No, I will not! You didn’t ask me!” she shouted, lifting her head. “If you don’t want me enough for that, then fine.”

  Tank nodded to Raul right before all three of them went down on their knees before the women.

  “Bella, will you marry me?” Raul said.

  “Bella, Charley, will you marry me?” Lucid asked.

  Tank grumbled. “Charley, baby, will you marry me?” he said as a flash went off.

  “Got it, girls,” Maria said, smiling at the door as she held up a camera.

  Bella laughed and wrapped her arms around Raul’s neck. “I would love to be your wife, your woman, your sub, but mostly, I can’t wait to be your lover and the person who stands beside you both.” She leaned over and placed a kiss on Lucid’s lips, then turn to Raul. “Thank you.”

  Raul stood, taking her with him. “You can thank me by getting me that damn picture,” he grumbled and kissed her hard before putting her back down. “Stay in here, talk about the wedding, pick a day, but do not say a word,” he said, and Bella straightened.

  “Do you
want me with you?” she asked, and he shook his head.

  “No, you don’t need to be involved in this. I’ll come in here when it’s done.” He cupped her cheek. “Maria, stay in here with your daughters. I’d suggest bringing your sisters in here, too, and I’d also soundproof this room.” He turned his gaze on Maria, who nodded before turning and running for her family.

  “Herme, would you stay in the room with the ladies? I’d feel better if you did,” Raul said.

  “I won’t leave here until it’s done,” Herme said. “My daughters are lucky to have all three of you, and thank you for giving them this wedding; it means the world to them. They’ve always wanted a double wedding.”

  A box appeared in the room at Charley’s feet.

  “Bella!” she screamed, and both girls fell to the floor around it. “Our wedding box.” Charley ran her fingers over it, looking up at her father. “Thank you, Daddy.”

  “There’s no need to thank me. I knew how important this day was to you two. That’s why we kept it hidden from you.” Herme knelt beside her. “Now plan that big wedding you wanted.”

  Raul groaned as Bella opened the box and he saw all the cut-out articles from bridal magazines inside. “We are in so much trouble,” he mumbled and Lucid laughed.

  “It was your idea. I swear I’ve never seen...” Lucid shook his head and glared at Raul.

  “She was crying,” Raul grumbled. “Let’s go; they’re pulling up. Bella, remember what I said.” He placed his hand on her head, and she looked up, smiling.

  “Be careful, all of you.” She rubbed his leg.

  He shook his head, and Bella laughed. “I’ll be glad to sit at your feet, Master,” she whispered.

  His cock grew hard. “Bella,” he growled, grabbing a handful of her hair.

  “Yes, sir.” Her eyes glazed over.

  “It seems we’re both close, my pretty. Soon.” He released her and moved away to go meet the first problem head-on. As he walked out the door, the ladies of Bella’s family flowed into the room, Adora bringing up the rear.

  She stopped and placed her hand on him. A warm, tingling sensation moved up his arm and through his body. “You will not be harmed this day, and I’m can’t wait to see my grandbabies.” Adora patted his arm. “Don’t worry; no one will hear a word. We have much to plan,” she said before leaving him there.

  “Did you just get a warm sensation?” Tank asked.

  “Yep, the old one is a very powerful woman. She just put a protection spell each of us. Let’s get this done,” Lucid said, and Raul nodded, hating what was coming. It was always hard to put a man down who was part of his pack.

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Sitting on the bed, Charley and Bella stared at the piles of articles before them; already, there was a garbage can full of their ideas they’d decided were so not going to happen.

  Bella smiled. “I can’t believe how much our tastes have changed since we were teenagers.”

  Charley snorted. “I can’t believe I wanted frilly crap, but you know this means we have to look at the new book. None of those dresses looked good, but I did like some of the colors and the food.” She looked at the door. “Do you think they’re done yet?”

  “There’s no sense in worrying about it. How about looking online and seeing if you can find anything you like?” Maria said.

  “You still haven’t picked a date,” Adora said.

  “I have to agree with Charley; I think the first of May is good. It won’t be too hot, and that will give us three months to plan,” Bella said, not wanting to look around online.

  “For Pete’s sake. Bella, stand up in the middle of room,” Aunt Tally said, pointing to the carpet.

  Bella stood and moved to the middle of the room, then turned to Tally. “Okay, now what?”

  “What color do you want the dress and what kind of material do you want?” she asked.

  “I want an old Victorian dress, cream with a corset top.” Bella could almost picture the dress.

  “Like this?” Tally asked.

  “Wow,” Bella said, staring into the full-length mirror now in front of her. Her reflection was wearing the dress she’d just imagined.

  “I didn’t want the men walking in and seeing you in it. So, for now, you’ll be able to see it in the mirror,” Tally said.

  “This is stunning, but I don’t like the hoop skirt. Maybe there could be a slit up the thigh and the material could be silkier, but not actual silk? Have it lying flat against the skin and also lose the flower etching.”

  “Like this?” Tally asked, and the dress in the mirror changed.

  “Perfect, but something is missing. Charley?” Bella looked up at her friend.

  “Does the pack have a color or something?” Charley asked.

  “Karina,” Bella and Charley whispered at the same time.

  “Can we have Karina brought here?”

  “Don’t see why not.” Adora stretched and tossed her a phone. “Ask her if she wishes to come.”

  The phone was already ringing when Bella put it to her ear. Five minutes later, Raul’s younger sister stared into the mirror behind Bella, smiling.

  “He’s going to love it,” Karina said. “The touch of red for Lucid and the fine outlines of Raul’s wolf on the back train are perfect. It’s beautiful. Thank you for including me.”

  “Oh, sweetie, how can I not? After all, you’ll be walking down the aisle as our maid of honor—if you accept, that is,” Bella said, turning to look at her new sister-to-be.

  Karina squealed and hugged her. “I’d love to and thank you. I so needed this.”

  “What is all this squealing going on?” Raul said, coming into the bedroom, followed by Tank and Lucid.

  “Everything okay?” Bella asked, moving to him.

  He shook his head and pulled her into his arms. “It’s done. We have one less thing to worry about. Hey, little sister, what are you doing here?” He leaned down and placing a kiss on Karina’s head.

  She laughed and patted his arm. “I can’t believe you’ve agreed to a big wedding. Who always told me you wouldn’t be caught dead in one?”

  “Oh dear. Well, we have proof now,” Adora said, waving an eight-by-ten picture in the air.

  Bella laughed when Raul growled. “You just took that how?” Raul glanced at her. “Never mind, I understand. Why do I get the feeling my life is going to be captured in pictures?”

  “Because it will, so get used to it quick,” Herme grumbled. “Are we ready?”

  “Yes. If you will excuse us, I’d like to have a word with Bella,” Raul said.

  A few minutes later, everyone had left but Raul, Lucid and Bella.

  “What’s wrong?” she asked, sitting on the edge of the bed.

  “While we’re gone, I want you and Charley in the safe room below until you hear from me.” He knelt in front of her and cupped her cheek. “When we get back, we’ll have a nice dinner before we go to the club. I don’t know how in a matter of 48 hours you’ve become the center of my world, but you have, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

  “And where is this safe place?” Bella asked. “I could help you. I’m not useless, as you know.” The thought of him out there fighting, and knowing he could be hurt made her feel as if a spear pierced her heart.

  His gaze never left hers as he sighed. “I feel the same way, but I promise I’ll be fine, and when this is over, we can finally get on with our lives. I know you could help us, but at the same time, you would be a distraction to my men and me. We would be too worried something would happen to you, since it’s obvious our enemies want to hurt or kill you.”

  Bella knew he was right, even if she didn’t like it. “Fine, but if you get hurt, either of you...” she glanced at Lucid “I’m going to hunt down every single one of those assholes and fry them.”

  Lucid snorted and moved to sit beside her. Even though this blood bond was new to her, Bella’s body recognized he was important to her, and that he was hot.

/>   “Right now, your safety is more important than anything, and I hate to say the word destiny, but with so many people at stake here, you must be protected.” He leaned down until his nose almost touched hers. “And I find you extremely hot too. Our feelings will build slowly, but as your body recognizes mine, I, too, have to fight from taking you right now, because Raul will be your first.” He placed a kiss on her cheek. “But after this destiny thing is over, little pet, I have plans for that body. Raul isn’t the only master who loves to play.” He stood and stretched. “Plus, no one threatens my family unit and lives.”

  Raul stood and moved to the door. He opened it and someone handed him a box. He shut the door with his foot, returned to her and placed the box in her lap.

  “You will wear this tonight. I need you to put it on now, though, as if you are going to the club now. In the safe room, there will be robes for you and Charley, and Mario will be coming to stay with you.” Raul smiled. “He says to tell you he keeps his promise. You have five minutes. Put nothing else on, not even shoes. Just what is in the box.” Raul moved to the door and Lucid followed him.

  “Raul,” Bella called, and he stopped and looked over his shoulder at her. “What happens if this doesn’t work?” she asked, scared half out of her mind. “What do I do?”

  He held out his hand, and she moved to him and took it. “If by some chance I don’t make it, Mario has orders to take you, Charley and my family out of here. I don’t know how much time we’ll have, but the jet is on standby.” He leaned down, cupped her cheeks and held her still. “But nothing is going to happen to us, trust me.”

  “I trust you, but not knowing what or who is out there scares me. Plus, what if there are more of your men that don’t want us to bond?” she asked.

  Raul slid his arms around her and hugged her tight. “We’ll deal with what we’re dealt, Little Mite.” He kissed the top of her head. “Get changed.” He stepped back and moved out of the room as Lucid pulled her into his arms.

  “I know you’re scared, but have faith in your men. We’ll do this, little wolf.”