by Moxie North
“Something I need to know?” The vibe in the room was hostile to say the least.
“You might want to sit down for this,” Will suggested, pointed to one of the empty ones across the room.
Everett reluctantly sat down. This was going to be bad, his gut and his cougar were screaming at him.
“I decided to bring in our Alpha on this,” Will said, pointing to the one man in the room that Everett didn’t recognize.
“Alpha,” Everett said with respect. He wasn’t his alpha, but he was still this pack’s top dog so to speak.
“I wasn’t going to sit around and wait to have Leelee attacked again. And I do believe this attack was directed at her,” Will stated.
“I agree, they hit their target,” Everett growled.
“So on a hunch and in the effort to smooth relations, I made a call to Anthony Domolo,” Will said, then paused as he let that news sink it with Everett.
Everett was shocked. This was not what he expected at all. They had no solid proof who was behind any of this. The package at the hotel was delivered by a service that said they were paid in cash and the driver had no memory of what the originator looked like.
But calling the head of a well-known mob family was a ballsy move.
“I had a nice talk with Mr. Domolo. I expressed my concerns that his son’s interest in my sister was no longer welcome as she was happily married. I also explained that we’ve had some unfortunate incidences where Layla was concerned since her refusal of him. His father was not totally surprised by this information and told me he’d look into it. That was a few hours ago, he just called back.”
“And?” Everett pressed.
Rubbing his hand over his forehead, Will looked at Everett hard before saying, “His father apparently applied some pressure to Vincent and he folded.”
“Folded?”
“Yup, told his dad that he was the one that sent the heart, rammed your car and put the hit out on Layla. Apparently he thought it would hurt his ‘cred’ being rejected by her,” Will explained.
“So did you call the police?” Everett asked him, annoyed at the speed of this conversation.
Will looked around the room before continuing. “Anthony wants to keep this in the family. He said he would ‘appreciate our discretion’ in this situation.”
“What the fuck does that mean?” Everett yelled, his cougar coming out. He was not in control of emotions yet and knowing for sure that Vincent was the person who almost killed his mate, made his cougar homicidal.
“It means, that Anthony Domolo does not want this turned in to the police. He wants this handled between our families. He has Vincent and he’s offering him up with a condition,” Will said calmly.
“The condition?”
“We can’t kill him,” Will said flatly.
Everett let out a loud low growl. “He almost killed her! If she wasn’t a shifter, she probably would have died on the sidewalk. And we are supposed to just let him get away with it?”
“Think about it, Everett. How are we going to explain to the cops that Leelee was shot, but is healed a few hours later? This is an opportunity that means we can exact some revenge. I’m not against killing the fucker personally. But we have to think of the big picture. Anthony Domolo assures us that Vincent will be on the next plane to Hoboken and will never step foot in Nevada again,” Will said calmly.
“Everett, I know this isn’t the best resolution. But it might be the best for the pack. It would also keep Layla out of the spotlight,” Grace said. She was speaking quietly even though her voice was shaking.
Everett thought about the possibility of this man being alive and breathing, living out his life. His mate was terrorized, injured, and almost killed. Letting this scum live was not part of his plan.
“What do you think, John?” Everett asked the quiet alpha in the corner.
“I can tell how you feel, son. You want blood, you want him to suffer for hurting your mate and you have every right. If it wasn’t my granddaughter, I would still have the same opinion. I don’t like it, but I think handling this between our two families will be the best for everyone,” John said.
Everett looked around the room at the angry faces, the faces of family that wanted to hurt the one that hurt one of their own. They also looked like a family that wanted to protect their secret and their future. They were all torn and the decision came down to him.
“Fine, but Will, I want you to come along with your father,” Everett said, looking at both men.
“Why us?” Russell was fine witnessing it, just unsure of his involvement.
“Will to keep me from killing him and you to make sure I do enough damage,” he growled.
“Fair enough, do we tell Leelee?” Russell asked looking at the group.
“Yes, she needs to know,” Everett said immediately. “I’ll go see if she’s awake.”
Nodding to the group, Everett got up and left Will to make the call back to the Domolos.
Chapter 35
Layla was feeling better, but was still tired. She remembered Everett leaving to go downstairs and she’d dozed back off. She woke when the door opened again. Opening her eyes she focused and saw Lilibeth Hayes walking towards her.
Pushing herself up she felt the soft blanket that Everett had wrapped around her before he left.
“Mrs. Hayes,” she said, pushing her tangled hair out of her face. Man, she needed a shower.
“Layla dear, how are you feeling?” Lilibeth asked, sitting down on the bed next to her.
“Better, of course getting a bullet dug out of me totally sucked.”
“Oh dear, I can’t imagine. So I heard this was one of your ex-boyfriends? Dear, what kind of men have you been dating?” Lilibeth said, her tone accusatory.
“Not my ex, just an unfortunate stalker,” Layla said with a laugh.
Lilibeth looked her over. “Well I can see why some men would think you were looking for the attention,” she said haughtily.
“Excuse me?” Layla did not just hear her say that.
“Well, with that fake blonde hair. Those club clothes you wear. You can’t really blame men for thinking that you’re interested.”
Yup, Layla heard her right. She was saying how she looked brought these problems to her door. Resisting the urge to tell her off, she let her hang herself a little more. Clearly Lilibeth was not aware her son was just outside the door listening to their conversation.
“I don’t think how I look had anything to do with an unstable human’s infatuation with me. I resent you even implying it, Lilibeth.” Screw the Mrs. Hayes shit.
“Well dear, I know you are probably used to getting what you want. Growing up in the life you have. I’m sure you think of men as your playthings. But it’s really time to grow up, Layla. You’re mated and married now. Don’t you think it’s time to stop acting like a party girl? Stop dressing to show off and maybe think of settling down. Find a quieter occupation. You don’t want people to think that Everett can’t control his mate, now do you?”
In a flash that startled Lilibeth and would probably haunt her, Layla launched herself at the woman and pinned her to the floor. She realized she was buck naked and she had her mother-in-law flat on her back and she was straddling her, but she didn’t give a fuck.
She could almost tolerate this woman’s interference in her wedding plans. That was common in human and shifter weddings. She didn’t even have to like her personal taste. But to infer that she would embarrass her mate being who she was, went too far. If she didn’t nip this in the bud, she was going to have to tolerate this woman’s shit for too many years.
“I will say this once, and only once. You will keep your mouth shut about me and my mate. You will not comment about my appearance. My previous life is none of your business. I will not tolerate you spreading any rumors about me. I will live my life as I see fit. Everett and I will maintain and enjoy whatever professions we choose. You will keep your distance in the future. Phone calls will
be mandatory before any visits.
When we have children, you will ask permission before you even give them a tic-tac. And if you follow all these rules, I will consider not telling anyone how I pinned you to the floor and got the better of you. If you cannot follow these instructions, I can assure you that this will be the last time you see your son and you will never see your grandchildren.
Because I know my mate,” Layla leaned closer to Lilibeth’s shocked face, “He will choose me over you. He loves you because you are his mother. He loves me because I’m his heart. Don’t think you will ever compare to that. My rules are not flexible. You agree and this conversation never happened and we go about our lives like normal. You don’t, I will make sure Everett hears about this.”
Layla let her cat growl out of her. She felt Lilibeth shudder under her. Everett’s mother had just made up with one son, she might actually be afraid of losing another.
“Nod your head if you understand,” Layla ordered.
“Fine, no reason to get so…physical,” Lilibeth sputtered while nodding.
“Oh see, I’ve heard all about you. I know you have at least one unmated child and I’m making sure your reign of terror ends here. I’ll be watching. When Stryker finds his mate, whether its next week, next year, or ten years from now. You are going to play nice. You are going to welcome that girl with open arms. I’ll know if you don’t. Don’t make me fly out to California to scratch you. I’ll show you the same amount of respect you show me. That will keep everything civil, yes?” Layla waited for another nod.
She stood up and reached for the robe that she kept tossed over the chaise at the end of the bed. Slipping it on she watched as the door to her room opened. Lilibeth was still on the floor panting. The shock still etched on her face.
Layla saw Everett standing in the doorway, behind him was Sebastian Hayes.
“Dad, would you mind escorting mom back to the hotel?” Everett asked, his eyes on Layla.
“I think I’ll do you one better son. We’ll be flying home tonight. Any arrangements for your wedding can be done over the phone. We’ll see you in a few months,” his father said, walking over to his prone wife.
Holding out a hand he said, “Lilibeth, it’s time to go home.”
Everett watched his mother take the offered hand, stand up and smooth out her suit. Turning to her daughter-in-law, she had the gall to look at her and say, “I’ll see you at the wedding, Layla.” She turned and walked out the door.
Sebastian looked at his son, “I’ll be talking to you soon.”
Everett nodded. He knew his father was embarrassed by his mother’s antics. He also knew that he loved her, flaws and all. Everett hoped the flight home would be one that was insightful for his parents.
Watching his parents leave, Everett wrapped Layla in his arms. Once they were well out of earshot, he said, “Damn, Duchess. You’re a badass.”
Laughing and laying her head against his chest she replied, “I’m sorry, I know you heard it all. But after the day I had, I just couldn’t let it go.”
“I don’t blame you, you were right in everything you said. I’m proud of you.” He squeezed her tight.“How are you feeling?” he asked.
“Better, just tired still.”
“Well, if you’re up for it, we have something else to talk about. It’s about Vincent.”
Everett filled her in on the offer from his family. What her pack wanted to do and why.
“I need to know what you want, baby,” he said gently. This was uncharted territory for them. He was basically asking permission from his mate to harm a human. Cause physical pain to another living thing. Everett’s cougar wanted to argue the fact that Vincent Domolo wasn’t human.
“I think the question, Everett, is what do you need?” Layla had been around long enough to know that a cougar that wasn’t able to protect its mate would grow agitated. Even become obsessive in their need to protect their partner. That was no way for either person to live.
“I need to know that he won’t be trying to hurt you again. I need to be assured that his family is taking this seriously. As long as my cougar and I know you are safe, we’ll be satisfied.”
“Then you do what you have to do. But promise me, you won’t lose yourself. I like you just the way you are. I don’t want this to change you. Don’t do anything you’ll regret later,” she told him earnestly. Her man was perfect and she didn’t want regret for what he did or didn’t do to haunt him.
Nodding, Everett squeezed her again. Having her close soothed him. “I’ll take Will and your Dad. I’m sure Vincent’s family will be there too. This is isn’t going to be done until he’s on the other side of the country.”
“When?” she asked him.
“Soon as we can get this taken care of.”
Chapter 36
Walking up to the warehouse on the outskirts of town, Everett took in the huge sun washed metal sides. There were signs so faded that you couldn’t read what they said. The locks were rusted, the windows broken and boarded up. It gave off the air of abandonment. Probably exactly why they used this location.
The three men were met by some very big, very ugly humans. Their faces marred by scars and clearly broken noses. These weren’t fluff security, they obviously had been around a seedier side of life for a while. They may be shifters, but these guys were mountains. Judging by their sheer volume, they were Domolo muscle.
They stopped in front of them and waited. One of the men that was blocking their path said something into his cuff. Everett couldn’t keep back the snort. These guys thought they were tough.
“Mr. Domolo said he’d meet you, third door on the right side. Down the hallway,” Mountain number one stated, opening the creaking metal door.
Everett led the group down the hallway. A man of average height, average features, and an above average suit was waiting for them.
“Mr. Hayes?”
“I’m Everett Hayes.”
“I’m Anthony Domolo. I’m very sorry to have to meet you this way. You too, Will. I’d hoped our companies could work together. This was not the situation I wanted to start that relationship out on. I have to apologize for my idiot son’s actions. I was unaware of them until today. I would never have tolerated this kind of behavior.”
“We appreciate that, Mr. Domolo,” Russell said.
“Now as I said before, I know you need to ‘talk’ to my son. I just need him breathing when we ship him back to his grandmother’s in Jersey. I hope after today we will still be able to have a working relationship, Mr. Klein,” Anthony said. He stated this like he was negotiating a contract. Not the permission to pummel his son.
Will turned and looked at his father, getting a nod he said, “We appreciate your willingness to work with us. I’m sure our future endeavors will be mutually beneficial. I hope you can understand that I’d appreciate all further contact to go through me,” Will stated.
“Of course. I’ll be down the hall if you need me. Last door, marked private.” Anthony Domolo gave the men a nod and turned and walked away.
They waited until he entered the room at the end of the hall and closed the door.
Everett’s cougar wanted out so badly, his nails had elongated. Just the smell of the fear wafting from the room had his cat itching to get out.
“Keep your cat back,” Will reminded Everett.
“I’ll try,” was all Everett offered back.
Taking a deep breath, looking at the other men and getting chin lifts, Everett opened the door. Stepping in, he saw an empty room and Vincent Domolo, handcuffed to a chair. His lip was fat and there was some swelling around one eye. Apparently it didn’t take much to get him to talk.
“Vincent Domolo?” Everett asked.
“Ahh, the bitch’s new fuck,” he spat.
“Wrong thing to say,” Will said, closing the door.
The drive back to the house was quiet. The men in the car were taking stock of their lives. Everett was glad his knuckles would heal bef
ore he got back to Layla. They’d already cleaned up, Vincent Domolo was a bleeder. He was also a wimp. Tormenting women was the only thing he seemed to have the guts for.
The unconscious lump Everett handed back to Anthony Domolo was more pathetic that he could stomach. His father had the same opinion clearly when he told the two mountains to “Get him out of here.” Hopefully Vincent would keep a low profile in Jersey.
Right now, all Everett wanted was to hold his mate and plan his future. The house was quiet as they pulled up and parked. The men got out and walked inside. They all took different directions, there wasn’t much left to say. Will needed to clean up since he’d taken a few shots at Vincent too. Russell just stood quietly in the back.
Walking up the stairs, Everett didn’t knock when he got to Layla’s room. Walking in, he found her curled up on her couch, clearly waiting for him.
Seeing him she stood up and ran into his arms. “I’m so glad you’re back,” she whispered.
“I’m so glad to see you. No more worrying about you know who. I don’t even want to hear his name mentioned again.”
“Agreed. I thought you might want a shower?”
“I’d love that,” Everett said, nuzzling her neck. Her scent replacing all the smells of fear and blood out of his nose.
Layla went into the bathroom pulling him behind her. She started the shower then watched him undress. He stepped in and dropped his head as the water ran over him. Layla took a seat on the edge of her tub. She knew she needed to stay close. He wouldn’t want her out of his sight for a while and she was fine with that.
He quickly washed and stepped out. She was waiting with a towel for him. He took it and dried off, tossing the towel on the floor and wrapping her in his arms.
“God, I love you so damn much, Duchess. I won’t fail you again, I swear,” he growled. His hold tightened around her.