by Milly Taiden
Karla wiggled on Nate’s lap and glanced into his eyes. “What kind of stuff are they doing to encourage him to talk?”
Nate’s eyes turned a bright gold. “We have our ways.”
Slivers of fear twisted her stomach into knots. She hoped those ways didn’t mean that people ended up dead.
“Don’t look so alarmed. We can tell when people are lying and telling the truth. We push whenever we get some truth out of them.”
Karla nodded. “What now?”
“We’re cautious until we figure out why those guys wanted Jordan, and then we end whatever threat exists.”
She didn’t like knowing Jordan could be under more trouble. Jordan had finally found her way to happiness, and it wasn’t fair that people continued to try to hurt her.
“Did you guys find out anything about the guys who attacked at the school?” Jordan asked Nate.
“We’re still looking for those shifters. Their scents haven’t turned up in town. Our enforcers are out full force, but we think it’s just some of the rogues Caleb’s Uncle Rocco has hired to get back at us for siding with Caleb. It would explain why they haven’t been seen again.”
“When is Aric due back?” Karla asked turning to Jordan.
“A couple of days.” The mention of Aric coming home brightened Jordan’s smile. “He said they’re wrapping things up and should be no more than two or three days at most. I bet I can hold it down without him having to rush back before then for me.”
“Good.” Karla knew when Aric was around Jordan had the protection she needed in her mate.
Just like Karla now had Nate there whenever she needed. And hopefully Ellie, Nicole, and Emma would soon be with their men.
“Stop worrying,” Nate whispered into her ear. “We’ll take care of her. She’s family, baby. And family always comes first.”
She’d learned that about the Wolfes’. Family was important to them. She was glad she’d been taken in by such wonderful people. Her babies would always have people that cared about them because they were loved. Not for anything other than because they were family.
“OKAY, WE HAVE a problem,” Karla said the minute she and Barbara were alone in the kitchen.
“Bridal shower?”
She nodded. “What do we do? All our plans were to be in the party place, but I don’t feel comfortable having it there anymore. With Jordan having been attacked twice, I think we should have the event closer to home.”
“The bridal shower location isn’t that big of a deal. Let me think about it,” Barbara said, putting food on a plate. “Anything you want to tell me?”
Uh-oh. “I’m sure you already know I’m pregnant.”
Barbara’s delighted squeal pushed her own smile to the surface. “As a matter of fact, I did know, but it’s nice to hear it from you. Congratulations dear!”
She rushed around the kitchen island and gave Karla a hug before going back to work on the plate of food. Her heart soared. Barbara was genuine with her love and devotion of her children and the women in their lives. Karla was grateful Nate’s family cared about her and pulled her into their family bonds.
“Thanks, Barbara. I really can’t tell you how new this is to me.” Or how scared she was. She leaned her hip on the kitchen island and watched Barbara prepare a sandwich fit for one of the men in the house. It was loaded.
Barbara nodded. “I understand. We’ve all been there.” She glanced up at Karla. “But you do know we’re all here for you, right? The Wolfe family is your family. Anything you need, just ask.”
It was one of the nicest things she’d ever been told. “Thank you. I guess I’m just nervous about the whole having babies depending on me idea.”
“It’ll be okay. You’ve got Nate. You’ve got us. And they’ve got you. Trust your instinct.”
Barbara handed her a massive plate with a sandwich piled high with chicken, cheeses and vegetables next to homemade potato chips and slaw. She stared at the food and wondered if Barbara forgot she wasn’t a shifter.
“Eat. You’re hungry,” Barbara said and took a seat across from Karla with a cup of coffee.
She was? Her stomach growled. Apparently Barbara was also a stomach whisperer. She sat down at the kitchen table and brought a chip to her mouth. “What do we do?”
“Would it be really difficult to move everything here?”
The Wolfes’ house was big. And the yard was massive. They could easily host the bridal shower and not worry about protection if the pack enforcers watched the place.
“No. I can take care of that. Just a few calls to the site and I can explain what’s going on. They’re one of yours. It wouldn’t be a big deal.”
Barbara laughed.
“What?” She bit down on the sandwich and savored the chicken and roasted vegetables Barbara had put in the toasted bread. It was warm. It was seasoned perfectly and tasted like heaven. Heck she was getting turned on by food. She must have problems. Not to mention she was shoving the chips down her throat, and though she hadn’t thought herself hungry, she couldn’t stop eating. The food was delicious.
“You said she’s one of ours.” Barbara lifted a blonde brow, blue eyes sparkling. “You’re one of ours too, Karla.”
“You know what I mean. I’m not a shifter.” Barbara’s words soothed some of the anxiety she’d felt about her and Nate being of different species. She’d swore she didn’t need anyone’s acceptance, but Barbara’s words destroyed some massive insecurity. A light feeling of acceptance filled her heart.
“Not yet. But while Nate can give you a mate bite and that would normally push the shift. You're pregnant. You wouldn’t until after you give birth.” Barbara smiled and nodded at every bite she took of her sandwich and chips. Karla had never felt that encouraged to eat in her life.
“Mate bite?” That’s right. They’d both talked about wanting to be together. Her being his mate, but he hadn’t actually given her the bite. The one that claimed her as his before his people.
Barbara patted the hand she’d placed on the table. “Don’t worry, honey. He’ll do it. He’s probably waiting for the right time to get it done.”
Right. She focused on the almost empty plate of food. She’d now have the insecurity of wondering why he hadn’t.
"Karla, trust Nate.”
She glanced up. There was warmth and open concern in Barbara’s eyes. She didn’t say anything for fear of upsetting the other woman.
“I’m not telling you because he’s my son. I’m telling you because I know you’re still edgy where he is concerned. But I know your heart is telling you he loves you. And I know he has already voiced the words.”
She inhaled sharply. And finally told someone what she couldn’t hide. “I’m scared. Scared he’ll hurt me one day by leaving.”
“You know we’re not like that.”
“But what if he gets sick of me. Decides I’m not the woman for him.” She knew that wasn’t in the shifter way, but she was human. And she’d been raised around humans. Her brain and fears were from what she knew.
“Well, I can only tell you that you can trust him and yourself to turn your relationship into something long-lasting and wonderful. Or you can be afraid forever and never take any chances. Your call. But while you ponder that, consider the fact you may be missing out on the only man who truly loves you. Who wants to make you happy? Who will do anything for you without asking for anything but your happiness in return?”
Karla stared into Barbara’s familiar blue eyes and knew she had been on the right path with Nate. There were no guarantees in life. He’d shown her he cared. She needed to let it go and move on. Or she’d lose the only man she had ever loved.
KARLA GLANCED AT herself in the mirror. She’d cleaned up nice. After getting the surprise shower rearranged to Barbara’s house, things had calmed down. She was the bait to get Jordan to the Wolfe house without knowing what was going on. She’d asked Jordan to go shopping and then Ellie would ask them to come by and pick her up. It
was a simple plan.
Her doorbell rang. She grinned with excitement. Her smile slowly slipped from her face. Swift frustration rose to the surface, inundating her veins. She didn’t want another argument with her sister.
“What do you want, Kass?”
Her sister pushed her way inside, pacing back and forth between her sofas. She bit her tongue to keep from cursing at Kass’s self-serving attitude.
“I came to apologize, Karli.”
This was one of those moments she wished for the whole shifter sense, so she could see if what her sister was saying was true. She opened her mouth to ask a question when her door rang again.
“Hey, mamacita.” Jordan patted Karla’s tummy. “Ready to go?”
“One sec.” She turned back to Kass, waiting for her sister to either elaborate or leave.
Jordan raised her brows. “You want me to wait out in the car?”
“No. Kass wanted to say something. Once she does we can go.” She crossed her arms over her purple dress and stared at her sister.
“I’m sorry Karli. I was insensitive and pushy when I asked you for money.” She dropped her head as if sad and mumbled. “I don’t want you to hate me. I care about you and want to try to make our sister relationship grow. You’re the only one I have. How about the three of us go somewhere and have lunch? Let bygones be bygones. I want to be closer to you, Karli.”
Karla started to feel bad when she heard the hitch in Kass’s voice. She truly sounded like she felt bad about the whole thing with Nate. Maybe they could start fresh. Create a new relationship. It would take time, but she could try for the sake of her children having more family in their lives.
“Wow. You are one serious liar, lady.” Jordan frowned, eyes glowing with anger. “Not only is none of what you said true, but I don’t scent any kind of concern, sadness, or regret from your part.” She moved in front of Karla, to shield her from Kass. “You hate her. You don’t have any good feelings toward your sister.”
“Kass?” Karla had trouble saying the single word. She’d never gotten along with her sister, but for Jordan to say Kass hated her came as a big shock.
Emotions flitted through Kass’s face. Resentment, irritation, and finally settled on anger. She glanced back and forth between Karla and Jordan before finally locking gazes with Karla. At that moment, something happened with Kass. It was as though Karla were seeing her for the first time in her life. Kass gave her a once over, hate clear in her eyes.
“She’s right, you know. I don’t know how she can tell, but it’s true. It makes me sick to know I’m related to you.” Her voice rose. “You with your better than thou attitude. You have always rejected me because I’m not as smart as you. Or little miss goody two shoes.”
“What are you talking about?” She’d never seen that much loathing in anyone’s face. Especially not her sister’s. She knew they didn’t get along, but to see that type of emotion in Kass’s eyes was overwhelming.
“Shut up!” Kass screeched. “I’m tired of your mightier than thou personality. Nobody is ever good enough for Karla. People have to climb mountains to get to your throne. Guess what sister. It will feel mighty lonely up there one day. You’re not that fucking special.”
Karla reeled back from the venom her sister spewed. She couldn’t believe she’d been blind to Kass’s feelings.
Kass’s nostrils flared as she continued her tirade. “You’re not special.”
“Why are you here then? Why waste your time with me?” Karla couldn’t stop her voice from rising in anger.
“I thought we could be sisters. Be closer. But you’re all about these,” she glared at Jordan, “shifters. Them over family?”
“They are my family!”
“Look,” Kass blinked several times, huffing and clearing her throat, moisture filling her eyes, “just lend me some money. Let’s go have lunch. We can discuss any repayment you want over some food.”
“We’re not going anywhere with you!” Jordan replied. “You’re as low as they come, aren’t you?”
“Shut up! Why are you being this difficult?” Kass hissed. “I’m trying to be nice and take you to a nice lunch.”
Jordan cocked her head. “You’re lying again.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Kass turned to Karla. “Please come to lunch with me, Sis? All I want is for us to spend some time together.”
Jordan rushed forward, grabbing Kass by the throat. “You’re lying, and I want to know why. Why are you interested in us going with you?”
Karla watched Kass struggle to get loose from Jordan’s hold. “Let…me…go.” Jordan squeezed Kass’s airway. Kass’s face turned a deep crimson. “I can’t breathe!”
“Tell her what she wants to know, or by god I’ll let her beat the crap out of you and call in the enforcers to detain you!”
“Karli…” Kass gasped.
“Talk!” Karla ordered.
“Okay…but let…me…breathe…”
Karla winced. She wouldn’t have thought Kass capable of lying about wanting to establish a sisterly relationship. Yet, she’d lied. Karla’s chest hurt from the words Kass had thrown at her. She knew they weren’t close, but that was normal with a lot of families. But Kass, she really couldn’t stand Karla. The anger and hate she saw in Kass’s eyes only drove the point home.
Jordan dropped Kass on a sofa. She landed on the cushion gasping for air. After coughing dramatically, she lifted her gaze to meet Karla’s. No longer hiding her despise for Karla, Kass pursed her lips before speaking. “I told you I needed money when I first got here. But did you give it to me? No! I had to resort to this. I came here today because I was going to try to get her,” she pointed at Jordan, “to join us going to a place I was paid to take you both to. If I could at least get you there, I knew she’d eventually show up.”
Ice froze the blood in Karla’s veins. She leaned into the sofa, holding on to the cushion for support. Her sister, her own flesh was ready to allow someone to kill her for money. She didn’t think she could feel any more heart broken over Kass’s actions. Pain flooded her heart, and she had a hard time pushing words past the knot in her throat. “Someone paid you to lead us to them?”
Her eyes turned into dark slits. “If you would have given me money, I’d have forgotten the fact I was hired when I was on my way here. I didn’t want to get you killed, but your selfishness pissed me off.”
Karla had a hard time thinking past the fact her sister had been feeding someone information about her and her friend. Putting them in constant danger. She took a few steps around Jordan and closed the distance between her and Kass.
Fury fired through her, filling every cell with disgust. Her sister- no, not her sister, the woman who’d shared a womb with her was nothing more than a bottom feeder. A materialistic bitch who cared about nothing but what she could get. “You’d put us in danger? With no regard to the fact one of us could get hurt? Killed even? How long has it been going on?”
Kass smiled, but it didn’t reach her eyes. “Since I got here and you said you wouldn’t pay me. I met some guys on the way into town who offered to pay me if I got them some information. I didn’t call them up on their offer until you said you wouldn’t give me money.”
“You evil bitch!” Karla gasped.
She shrugged in her tiny top. “I told you I needed money.”
“I’m going to kill her,” Karla growled, ready to fling herself at her lowlife of a sister.
Jordan pulled her back before she could reach the sofa, hugging Karla to her. “Calm down. You’re not violent, remember?”
“Fuck that! She sent those people to attack you. To hurt us. She needs a reality check!”
Jordan nodded and smiled. “I agree. But since you’re indisposed, I’ll take care of any beat downs,” she joked.
Karla knew Jordan was trying to make light of the situation so she’d calm down. Her entire body shook with loathing for her sister.
“You came to my house and
put me and my friends in danger.” She curled her nails into her hands, digging them deep into her palms and tried to calm the revulsion racing through her. Her sister had gone too far. People had been hurt because of her.
“Stop acting all mighty. Even your man tried to get his hands on me one night.”
“Liar!” Karla’s temper snapped. She swung a hand in a blur. She didn’t even feel the sting of it hitting Kass’s cheek.
“It’s true! He wanted me. I turned him away,” Kass taunted, rubbing her hand over the fingerprints Karla left on her face.
“Karla—” Jordan moved forward to get between them.
“She’s lying,” Karla said confidently. “I know she is. Nate isn’t like the men in your life, Kass. He’s not like the men Mom dated it. He is honorable.”
Kass snorted with an evil glow in her eyes. “Whatever. He’s looking for some pussy just like all guys.”
She wanted to hit the woman again. Hard. To punch her for trying to destroy the life she’d built when neither she nor their mother had been there for Karla.
“Nate loves me.”
Kass rolled her eyes and sucked her teeth. “Big deal.”
“I feel sorry for you, Kass. For so long I was afraid to open myself to love that I almost passed up on the only man who’s cared enough to try.” She lowered her voice, seeing her sister in a new light. In the light of those who had nothing. “You’ll never see past the money a man has. And that’s sad. It means you’ll never know how much they can love you just for being you.”
“Love is cheap. And it doesn’t pay the bills.” Kass turned away to go.
“Where were you supposed to deliver Jordan?” She asked.
Kass turned to her, a greedy smile on her lips. “Pay me and I’ll tell you. I’m sick of this town and want to go home.”
Jordan let her barely restrained anger loose. She grabbed the other woman by the throat again, lifting her high up in the air this time. Though they were about the same height, Jordan’ shifter power came through at that moment.