“Honey, if they so much as touch you, I’ll break every bone in their body,” he growled, the wolf very close to surface that fur started to cover his arms.
“Maxim, do you really believe I would allow anyone to touch me, other than my men?” She turned in his arms and looked up at him. “I haven’t been with anyone since, well, it’s been a while, and I’ve had no desire to until now.” Her eyes met his and Alton could see the little specks of gold in her brown eyes.
“Now, come on. I want to show you my town and why I love it here. I’ll even introduce you to Marco,” she teased and Dylan laughed, clapping his hands.
“Make sure he doesn’t hurt my daddies,” Dylan said, giggling, earning more growls and laughter as they went out the door and down the stairs.
Once outside on the sidewalk, Willow took a deep breath. “I love it here at night, where you can hear the music and smell the food. This is home.” She looked over at Alton. “I hope you two will consider it home for now,” her gaze moved to Maxim’s.
“We’re not going anywhere, little kitten. Now lead on,” Alton said and watched as she linked her arms around Tamara’s and Ana’s, pointing out different spots. All the while, Alton and the others formed a protective circle around the women until they heard someone shout out Willow’s name.
Willow smiled and took off running, and jumped into a man’s arms, hugging him. “Marco!” he heard her say as he fought the other inside of him.
“Willow,” was all he said, as her head came up and she slowly moved out of this man’s embrace, coming to him.
“He’s like a brother, Alton, nothing more,” she whispered, reaching up and cupping his cheek. “You and Maxim are all I need.” Her lips turned into a frown and stepping back. “Of course, if you hurt me or take another?” she looked back towards him.
“Look at me, Willow,” Alton said, reaching out and pulling her into his body, just holding her waiting till she looked up at him.
“You know there can be no others now. Your blood calls to ours as our bodies do. Now introduce us to this Marco so we can size up our opponent for tomorrow. We can’t have our son thinking we’re a bunch of old wimps.”
“Hey, I resent the old part!” Maxim grumbled and bumped his shoulder.
Her laughter calmed the monster inside of him as he allowed her to drag him forward. “Marco, I want to introduce you to a few people. These two gentlemen behind me are my mates, Alton and Maxim. I’m afraid Dylan has already boosted about your wrestling capabilities and has volunteered Maxim to be your next match,” Willow teased, watching as Marco and Maxim sized each other up as they shook hands.
“Are you joining us tomorrow as well?” The man asked Alton, shaking his hand. “Alton Cooper right?”
“You’ve heard of us then?” Alton studied the man as he backed up next to Willow.
“Not until my little sister mentioned you two a few days ago. Of course, being her brother, I had to check you both out. I was surprised she has two of you as her mates, but then again, bears mate in fours usually.” Marco glanced back to where they came from and at once Willow was running her hand on his arm.
“They’ll come Marco, give them time. Now, why don’t you play that new song you wrote for my friends,” she asked.
He laughed and nudged her. “Only if you sing it with me.” Marco grabbed a chordophone, shocking him. The old instrument played a melody that was one of his favorites.
The three friends of Marco’s lifted their instruments while Marco took a seat and nodded to Willow. People seemed to stop and stare as Willow and her friend started to sing this song of love. About half way through, Baal shocked them all appearing in front of Marco, placing his hand on the chordophone.
“You cannot play this instrument,” Baal stated, glancing around him. “It will drawl her like nothing else will.”
“Maybe that’s what we need to do?” Willow said right before she froze and the screaming started.
“Get the women back to the house now!” Baal screamed as the band disappeared, as did the women.
Maxim turned to look at Alton and he nodded. At once, he was back at the house with Lars. Willow sat on the couch with Dylan curled up around her as Lars comforted Tamara. Ana stared out the window, shivering, before Hedrick appeared in the room, moving to her and engulfing her in his arms.
Alton moved to the couch and pulled Dylan into his arms, and his mom hugged them. The screams below had him waving his hand and silencing the noise below.
“Will the spiders get in here?” Dylan asked his head against his chest, holding on tight.
“No, Dylan, the spiders will soon be gone. Your grandfather, father and Uncle Gage are destroying them now.” Willow laid her head on his shoulder.
“I froze. I never freeze, someone could have been hurt. Maybe we should go to Tamara’s home for a little while. The thought of those things in the city hurting people. I’ll never get those screams out of my head.”
“No, we’re not going anywhere,” Maxim said, coming into the room with Gage and Baal. “They are gone and we’re not going to allow them to drive you away.” Maxim took a seat on the other side of Willow, reaching over and touching Dylan’s shoulder. “You should have seen your Grandpa, he came up with a plan.”
Baal smiled, sitting across from them and rubbing his arm. “Seems this little marking gave me a little more than I thought.” The old Baal that Maxim had seen before destroying something was now sitting in front of them, but Baal offered some comfort as he reached over and took Dylan from Alton’s arms. Baal focused his attention on the little boy in his arms, weaving a story of adventure as he described the scene below, leaving out the gore. Thirty minutes later with Dylan in his Grandfather’s lap, and Willow between him and Maxim on the couch, Baal finished his tale with Tamara and Ana now relaxed and enjoying the story. “It seems spiders do not like the vine of life. Your city is safe from spiders for now. Look outside the window, Dylan. You’ll see the vine on the outside of your house, waiting to attack any spiders that will come.”
Dylan crawled off his lap, as the women all moved to the window. “It’s beautiful, like a climbing rose, but more verdant.” Willow said and Baal nodded.
“I really had no idea this would happen, but it will set Benitta back. However, those spiders were not babies. It seems some of her children lived, but we’ll discuss that latter. Right now, I’d like to tuck this guy into his bed and head that way too. Lars, Hedrick, I would suggest you stay here tonight as there is plenty of room. We’ll figure out what to do next, because, Hedrick, I believe this problem your father-in-law is having might have to do with Benitta and the rouges. You’re going to need more help then you know.” With that, Baal gathered Dylan up in his arms after Willow hugged and kissed him good night.
But before Baal could leave the room, Dylan wiggled out of Baal’s arms and came over to Maxim, crawling into his lap and hugging him. “Night, Daddy,” he whispered, bringing tears to Willow’s eyes as well as Maxim’s.
Maxim watched the little one, his new son, once more jump into Baal’s arms, waving good night to them all. “Well, it looks like I have a little brother,” Lars said, breaking the ice, making every one laugh.
“Ha, I’ve got one better. I have a new Uncle,” Hedrick said, with a smile. They all laughed, relaxing a little bit, but Alton noticed how Willow stared out into the night, and shivered.
“How many dead now?” she whispered and leaned her head against the glass pane.
Chapter Four
Willow set up the extra bedroom for Gage, Lars and Tamara, while Alton and Maxim set up the new apartment in the attic that her father had created in a moment’s notice for Hedrick and Ana. Nervous was an understatement. The fact that there were mutant spiders outside New Orleans, her home, and that her mother was gone, while two very gorgeous old hunks were going to share her bed tonight had her a bit on the wired side.
“I really resent the ‘old’ thought there, little kitten. Maybe refined would be
better?” Maxim’s voice, a purr inside her head had her shaking it.
Tamara smiled as Willow made the bed with her. “Well, I really haven’t seen refined yet, but I’ve seen hints of an age issue a few times,” she said and Tamara laughed, knowing who she was talking to, and earning a growl from Maxim. But she ignored it and looked at her sister. “Are you happy Tamara? God, it seems like yesterday when we were in Florida.” She sat down on the bed, Tamara sitting next to her.
“Yea, I’m happy. Do I like being confined in our bubble? It could be worse, but I have Gage and Lars who keep me busy, plus the pack. I do miss the chats we used to have and I miss momma. She might not have been much, but I loved her.” Tamara smiled and Willow could see the sadness there.
“Well, when my mom is finally caught, believe me, she’ll love you. She’ll be there for all of us.” Willow said and smiled as three banana splits appeared on the dresser.
“Hey, Willow,” Ana called out to her, coming into the room.
“Well, looks like momma left us three a night treat.” She stood and moved to the dresser. “Thanks Momma.”
“Night baby and be safe,” she said.
“I’m not alone, be careful. I can’t lose you,” Willow said and handed Tamara and Ana their ice cream, before grabbing her own.
“Okay, tell your momma thank you, and that I love her,” Tamara moaned, taking a bite of her ice cream, and leaning against the bed where Ana and she joined her.
“Yea, Mom always knows when I need something. It was hard to keep her out when I was staying at Alton’s home, but I had no choice. She would have shown up and ripped him apart. Damn, I love banana splits,” she moaned, when Dylan came in, smiling.
“I swear you can smell ice cream a mile away. You are supposed to be in bed, midget.” She patted the spot next to her. “Come on, I’ll share mine with you, but then you are to go right to sleep, understood?” She said and he nodded, climbing on the bed just as their men came into the room.
“Where did you get that? You shouldn’t be eating that, it’s not healthy,” Gage said, frowning at Tamara.
“Touch it and I’ll bite you,” she snarled.
Dylan looked at her, and she winked. “It’s my Momma’s gift for us girls.”
“I think we need to move close to her,” Ana said. “I so could enjoy this every night.”
Hedrick snorted. “I’ll make sure you have ice cream, little wolf.” He scooped Ana up. “Come on, it’s getting late. Night, ladies. We’ll see you in the morning, and thank your Mom for making all of us feeling welcome.”
“She’s using too much energy. How is she going to protect herself extending her gifts like that?” Her father growled, holding her mom’s journal in his hands.
A big blob of ice cream landed on top of her father’s head. Everyone stopped and stared until Dylan started laughing and then they all joined him.
Baal turned his dark eyes on her, his lips twitching. “You, young lady, are not helping here.” He grumbled. “It could have at least been chocolate. Strawberry, really?” he said as the ice cream disappeared.
“Strawberry is my mom’s favorite ice cream. She especially loves strawberry short cake with the ice cream on the side.” Willow fed Dylan another bite of ice cream. “Come on, let’s give your aunt her privacy, sweetie,” Willow went to put her ice cream down, but Maxim came over and picked up Dylan.
“You, little boy, need to be in bed. We have a big wrestling match to go to,” he said, moving out of the room. Alton followed him.
“Oh, I’ve started a bath for you,” Alton said glancing back at her.
“Thank you,” she got up to leave, but Tamara stepped up and hugged her tight. “I’m so glad you are my sister and well now you’re my…” Willow covered her mouth with her hand.
“You even say it, I swear, you’ll be wearing ice cream next,” she grumbled.
Lars laughed. “I’m glad you are okay and welcome to the family. Don’t let grandpas give you a hard time either,” Lars said.
“I heard that,” Alton yelled from down the hall, making her smile.
“Come on Dad, let’s give them some privacy,” Willow moved out of the room toward hers. Baal moved with her till they came to the door.
“I’ve read some of what your mother wrote about that night. I see little bits and pieces now. All of this could have been avoided if I didn’t have my head in my ass when I met her.” He sighed and smiled down at her. “But you, little girl, will not be going on those missions anymore. The things you did even has me shaking. You might be vicious, but I have a feeling you are like your mother, needing love and to be taken care of. Yes, Alton and Maxim will be a good match for you.”
“We’ll see. Do you really think your father will protect us and that we don’t have to worry?” she asked.
Baal looked to the side, then nodded. “He has given you his mark. If it’s one thing I know, my father does not lie. He’s a prick, but you’d have to be to deal with all of those degenerates that come down there. No, you are safe, princess. Go take your bath. I’ll see you in the morning.” He kissed the top of her head right before he disappeared.
“I am so going to need a long vacation,” she mumbled, and moved into her bedroom, smiling. The scent of lilacs filled the air. Flowers, lilacs and different wild ones she’d never seen before, were scattered around her room. She moved into the bathroom where candles were lit all around and a glass of wine rested on the tub which was full with bubbles and steaming warm water. “Oh, I can so get used to this,” she said stripping out of her dress and stepping into the tub, moaning.
“Oh yea,” she took a sip of the wine and groaned. “I bet it’s an expensive bottles too.” She mumbled and laid her head back, relaxing for the first time all day.
* * *
Alton nodded to Maxim, knowing their woman was soaking in the tub. Maxim sat down on the bed next to Dylan. “Do you want to tell us who your friend is?” Maxim asked, not wanting to scare the boy.
The boy glanced up at him, then at Maxim, but an old voice came out. “There is no reason to question the boy.”
“You have woken early, usually we do not see you till we reach puberty?” Alton said.
“Special circumstances. I couldn’t allow my host to be destroyed by his father.” Dylan tilted his head to the side, but the old eyes held his. “Ral, it’s been a long time. I had heard you had taken someone on Earth.” Nanra stated.
He took a deep breath and relaxed, allowing his other to rise. It had been years since it had said a word, even though when his wife had been killed neither of them had said much, just anger and emotions took over for the first two weeks afterwards. “I have been here for a while. Now, tell us about this new threat or why show yourself to us?’
“Our enemy from old has found out about our alliance with the other species. I have been told to expect the first arrival of Tarrs here on Earth in the next three Earth years. The being inside him stilled.
“What are our people doing?” he finally asked.
“I’m here and others are coming. We are now even considering the wolves as hosts. We need our warriors here to help stop this threat.”
“Wait a minute. Who are these Tarrs?” Maxim asked, looking back at him.
The beast retreated as did the one in Dylan’s body. “Come, I’ll explain later not here in front of the boy. He’s not ready for that.” Dylan’s body curled up around his stuffed dragon, sound asleep, not even aware that they were there.
Both of them moved out into the hall, but Alton was not ready to move into the bedroom. Maxim and the others needed to know the great threat coming their way. He cringed even thinking of the thought that they might need to call in Baal’s father.”
Baal appeared in the living room, as Hedrick, Gage and Lars followed them. “Tell us what these Tarrs are and how we prepare for them?” His grandson asked, as the others stood close by, listening.
“They are a species that travel from one planet to the next taking
what they want. They haven’t been able to take over Miters planet yet.” Alton glanced to his side to see his son appear next to him. “You heard?”
His son nodded. “As did most of our men. Do we know if they’ll go after the humans? Do we need to warn them? If they come here, can they find the other worlds associated to Earth?” Trevor asked, not wasting time.
“Yes, they will make mincemeat out of the humans. They’ll use them as food, like their cattle.” He sent an image of the creatures to the others. “They run from six to eight feet tall, have four arms, two eyes in the front and one in back and their fangs carry a poison that would knock down an elephant.” Alton tilted his head to the side. “Ral does not know how many come. They use ships that are about the size of the human’s large cruise ships. They are advanced, but not, getting their technology from other worlds that they have destroyed.” Alton hissed and looked at Maxim, then to Baal. “They’ll use the females to breed and it’s not pretty.”
Alton sat down and glanced at his now father-in-law. “If they reach Earth, we might need help, and I’m talking your mom and father.”
Everyone in the room hissed. “You’re kidding, right?” Trevor asked.
“No, I’m not. This threat is more than a vendetta. We’re talking about this threat invading the Fae world, Baal’s world, everywhere. If they get a hold of one of our people, they’ll learn about all of the different worlds.” Alton showed them how they withdrew the information from their victims, sucking the brain matter out of the skull. “They don’t align themselves with anyone. They think they are unstoppable, even though they have not been able to penetrate our world.”
Gage frowned. “How many different worlds are there?”
Alton laughed. “Too many to count. Earth is a bump of salt in something that is much larger. Ral and his kind picked this world because it was small and wouldn’t draw their attention. Well, we were wrong.”
The Forgotten One: Book Three of the Surrender Series Page 5