Blackhawk gave her the grin that he’d perfected years ago. “You have yourself a deal, Lyzee.”
Yeah, she couldn’t wait.
There was something to be said about a lecherous husband on the prowl.
~ Chapter Four ~
Two Hours Later
This was his favorite time of the day.
Dark was just starting to fall, and it was almost suppertime. Soon, he would be heading back to his place to a nice roast in the oven.
He could already smell it now.
As his mind pictured the delicious meal waiting for him, he began to salivate like crazy. All he needed to do was dump the carcass, and he could call it a night.
It wasn’t easy to filet out the entire body.
In fact, the older man was probably a little too tough for the meals that he had planned, but that was life. After this roast, if he was a tough old bird, he would likely have to tenderize him in a crock pot and as barbeque.
Hey, whatever! As long as his belly was full, he would be more than willing to accommodate. Maybe he would even whip up a batch of his homemade jerky.
Nothing would go to waste, and he wouldn’t even need to go scrounge up some wildlife.
Schlepping the burlap sack across the woods was enough to build up an appetite, and that’s why he wanted to get it done.
There was nothing like a hard day at work to truly appreciate the meal before you.
As a small boy, his father had instilled in his mind that if you wanted to eat, you had to work. Today, people wanted the easy way out and didn't appreciate the small things in life. Everything was a convenience.
Finding your meal and having to prepare it was an art.
And he was an artist.
At the river, he stared into the dark murky waters and was grateful that they were swallowing his scraps. The fact that the ME and police had found other bones didn't concern him. He took off as much flesh as possible and kept the skulls.
The bones would be unidentifiable.
He was in the clear.
Dumping out the bag of bones, he watched as they sank into the black water of the river and disappeared into the muddy depths. The water temporarily stained red, as the rest of the blood seeped into the water, mixing with the decay filled murk.
Once it was finished, he turned to head back home. Now that this was done, it was time to check on his dinner and maybe grab a few beers at the bar. The waitress he liked was working tonight. He began wondering if she would like his cooking.
Then again, it didn't matter. Tonight was all about celebrating.
It was all about death winning out over life.
* * *
When his plane touched down, he was infinitely grateful to be one step closer to his family. Loading up his luggage, he laughed at how much he had packed. Most of it he planned on leaving there when he left.
Since Elizabeth and Ethan had a closet full of things, he wanted to make traveling there easier. If returning to Salem was going to be a habit, he wanted to make it as convenient as possible, especially if they were going to be toting kids along for the trip.
As he pulled the giant suitcases through the airport, he couldn’t wait to get there. In fact, it was a mad dash to the rental.
In his head, he was having visions of sweet kisses from the woman he missed.
Before he knew it, he was driving through Salem. It definitely was an incredibly cute town. It reminded him of all the pictures in calendars with happy families and white picket fences.
It was really quaint.
When he thought of Elizabeth and her childhood, he wasn’t surprised that this is where she grew up. One of the things that always attracted him to her was her southern charm and her ‘girl next door’ personality. Like Salem, she was wholesome and good.
Well, as wholesome as a woman who was in a relationship with two brothers could possibly be. Or one who waded in the bowels of death for a living…
Following the directions, he navigated the twisting roads all the way back into the thick lush forest. It astounded him how far out in the middle of nowhere that Elizabeth’s childhood home was.
Not that he didn't appreciate that.
As a Native, he would take the dense greenery any day, and he would be a happy camper. That was the only part of the Rez that still called to him.
Pulling up the drive, he stared at the giant house that was lit up with warmth from the inside out. There was a giant wrap around porch, a friendly red door, and plenty of yard to run around in as a kid.
Well, Elizabeth definitely had a vastly different childhood than he or Ethan had. Callen couldn’t imagine this as his home. It was too…
Norman Rockewellian.
It gave him pride deep down inside that their children would have a house like this to come visit after their parents were gone and just a memory. One day, his grandchildren would stand here and feel happiness.
It gave him a peace of mind.
Parking the rental SUV, he hopped out and left the suitcase in the back. First things first, he needed to see his woman and make sure that his brother was on the path to healing, not implosion.
He raced up the stairs, only to find the front door open and soft music emanating from the inside. Opening the screen, he yelled inside to his partners.
“We’re in the living room, Cal,” Elizabeth called back, alerting him to their location.
Callen followed the music, and was busy taking in the colors and decorations in the room. Everything about this place screamed Elizabeth. It was warm, friendly, and cozy. In fact, it reminded him of ‘Fort Blackhawk/Whitefox’.
Walking into the great room, he paused, caught completely off guard. This time it had nothing to do with the surroundings, but everything to do with the people in the room.
On the couch was a lounging Ethan.
His hair was messed up and stood up in spikey peaks. Gone was his shirt, and his jeans were unbuttoned and rested low against his hips. He also was barefoot.
Apparently, Salem relaxed him.
Cradled at his side, was Elizabeth. It was obvious what he had missed, because she was wearing Ethan’s missing shirt, and Callen suspected nothing else.
Ethan pointed to a bottle of wine on the table and grinned at his brother. “Welcome to our vacation from insanity,” he said, releasing Elizabeth, so that she could greet him.
Callen stared at his brother. “Wow, you look…”
She snickered. Oh, she was well aware. When they returned home from grocery shopping, she had been repeatedly accosted by him all over the place. He was like a man on fire, and back to being himself.
“Yeah, I know,” he replied. He held up his fist to get a congratulatory bump from his brother. “If you want to scare the demons of a homicidal maniac away, hide in Salem, drink some wine, and let your woman climb all over you.”
Callen stared at him. “Is he drunk?” he asked, in astonishment.
Elizabeth hugged Callen tight. “Maybe a little, but we’re celebrating.”
He stared down into her eyes and sought the answer. “What are you celebrating? Why is he smiling like the Cheshire cat, and can I join in?”
Ethan sat up and poured his brother a glass. They knew that he’d be arriving shortly, and they wanted to break the good news. “Elizabeth is pregnant,” he replied, handing his brother the glass.
Callen was caught off guard, but he still noticed a few significant things. First, the light had returned to his brother’s eyes. This meant he was healing and on his way back. Next, there was that Elizabeth didn't look as sad and broken as she did just a day ago, so, he could see why the merriment.
“This is worth celebrating,” he said, kissing her soundly. “I’m so damn happy for our family,” Callen stated. “More importantly, I don’t have to wear protection anymore!”
That earned him a snicker and his own fist bump.
“Hallelujah! Blackhawk sperm has once again knocked our woman up!”
“Callen!” El
izabeth objected.
Blackhawk raised his glass in celebration. “Here’s to my crazy, mad, mating skills and her obvious fertility!”
They carried their wine glasses to the couch, and Elizabeth sat between them with her bottle of water.
“I missed you two so much,” Callen stated. “I’m glad we’re back together.”
They both agreed wholeheartedly. In fact, Ethan’s arm was across on the back of the couch and resting on his brother’s shoulder and neck.
It reminded Callen of how it was before he was hurt. The entire change was remarkable. This wasn’t what he expected when the plane landed. Don’t get him wrong, this was what he wanted and hoped for, but he didn't think it would be this soon.
“How are you doing, Ethan? Can I do anything for you?” Callen asked, wanting to make sure his brother was okay.
Elizabeth interjected before Ethan could reply. “He doesn’t want us to be nice to him anymore.”
Blackhawk started laughing. “Uhhh, I didn't say that. I said I didn't need you both treating me like I was a broken or wounded child. Feel free to be nice all you want,” he replied, wiggling his eyebrows at her.
“So, he’s free game,” she stated, trying to tickle him.
Callen stared openmouthed. He was surprised that Ethan was shirtless to begin with, but Elizabeth’s hands were all over his tattoos and scars.
Ethan noticed where his brother’s gaze was directed, and he addressed it. “We can talk about it,” he stated.
Now, Callen was feeling bad for staring at the scars. He knew how it felt. After all, he had burn marks all over his arms, courtesy of his mother’s boyfriend. “I’m sorry, Ethan. It’s just that…”
He didn't get to finish.
Ethan’s eyes locked onto Elizabeth’s and his gaze never wavered. “Don’t be, because I’m not. I’ve earned these scars, and they’re who I am now. I may not be back one hundred percent, but I’m not ashamed of them.”
Elizabeth stroked his cheek.
“They’re kind of bad ass,” he replied, staring down at them.
“I agree,” Elizabeth added. “Plus, they’re a reminder of something very important.”
Both men stared at her and waited, and in true Lyzee form, she threw out some humor. “They remind me that you both have gotten your asses abducted and had to be rescued by a babe. That has to be embarrassing for both of you big, strong men!”
The brothers started laughing and weren’t surprised.
“Lyzee, you were taken too,” Callen said, after the laughter stopped.
“Yeah, but I escaped. You had to be rescued. There is a big difference. Oh yeah, and I was pregnant. Score one for pregnant women everywhere. My men are crazy magnets.”
Ethan covered her mouth with his hand. “At least you’re safe now. It’s nice to not have a killer hunting someone through the woods.”
“Or street.”
“Park,” Ethan added.
“Chain store in a strip mall,” Callen tossed in there.
She bit Ethan’s hand and got him to move it. “I get your point.” Resting her hand on Ethan’s chest, she felt peace. “I love you both,” she stated.
Both men reciprocated, leaving a kiss on her cheek.
Callen took it one step further. He placed his hand beside hers, touching his brother over the scarred raven and connecting all three of them.
Ethan was moved by his brother’s gentleness. To show him his gratitude, he placed his hand over Callen’s scars on his arm.
Now, they had two things in common.
They survived hell, and they had a woman who loved them.
“Let’s give Callen the tour,” Elizabeth whispered. She had plans, and that entailed getting both men naked and having her wicked way with them.
The men were up first and pulled her to her feet. She showed him their shared office, and then they wandered out onto the patio holding hands.
“Cal, you should see it out here in the summer. It’s full of gorgeous flowers,” Elizabeth said, staring up at him.
“I hope I get to see that, Lyzee.”
Ethan released her hand and padded barefoot over to the few remaining blossoms that remained. He plucked one and walked back to his wife.
“Tradition,” he said, tucking the stem behind her ear.
Her heart skipped at the simple action, because it meant so much to her that he remembered something as simple as a flower.
Callen watched them, and he was envious. Not because he was excluded, but that he missed this part of their lives.
This was Ethan and Elizabeth’s love story, and it was replaying out again. At least he was able to watch and revel in the beauty of it.
“I think it’s perfect,” Ethan stated, bringing his lips down to hers. Immediately, she moved into his body. His eyes flickered up at his brother, and he offered him his hand. When Callen took it, he pulled him against the back of Elizabeth and sandwiched her between them.
Callen’s mouth began tracing the thudding pulse in her throat, as Elizabeth’s scent called to him. It was a mix of shampoo and Ethan’s cologne. Just the blend of the two had some magical properties. It made his body roar to life instantaneously.
“Ethan, Callen,” she murmured, when Ethan released her mouth from the kiss. “Get inside. I want to see my sexy Native men naked.”
Callen began walking them backwards to the couch. When they got there, he began pulling at his shirt as Elizabeth popped open Ethan’s jeans.
Her fingers immediately went for the prize, and he moaned. “Lyzee.”
Hearing his brother so easily lost in the passion and heat, made him move that much quicker. Now, he too was desperate to feel Elizabeth’s hands move over his flesh. As soon as he was completely naked, Callen’s fingers found a path around her body to stroke heated flesh.
Ethan wanted a fast, hot, romp. He already had Elizabeth slowly. What he wanted was for the three of them to come together like they always did, in an explosion of passion and love.
Pushing her into his brother, he watched them both tumble backwards over the arm of the couch. Ethan trusted his brother so much, that he knew Callen’s first instinct would be to catch Elizabeth and cradle her against his body.
Following them over the arm, he took his place over both of them and literally attacked.
Elizabeth moaned, as her husband slid into her body without warning. It was so sudden that it tore the breath from her lungs. While he invaded, Callen teased, tormented, and whispered in her ear, things that dreams were made of.
God, this was heaven, trapped between her two sinners. If possible, she never wanted it to stop. Callen was driving her insane as Ethan was taking what he wanted from her body.
Ying and yang collided, and she was the definite winner.
“More, Lyzee, give me all of you,” Ethan demanded.
She wouldn’t hold anything back. The feeling of an aroused Callen behind her, pressing against her flesh, as Ethan took her was making it hard to concentrate. When her body shuddered and she broke apart, Ethan still offered her no reprise. In fact, he wanted more and more from her.
For the first time in weeks, this need beat at him, controlling him to his core. Letting go, he allowed the instinct to take the lead. Want was lighting him on fire, and desire was keeping it burning at a scorching level.
Callen was going crazy beneath her, as Ethan continually pounded into Elizabeth. Her body was sliding up and down his erection, and he was out of his mind with lust. He honestly didn't know how long he could wait until he was reunited with his woman.
Elizabeth gasped as Ethan hit her in just the right spot. It pushed her from the precipice, and she tumbled. Ethan didn't wait long to follow her.
At the shout of her name, he trailed her into the abyss. Ethan could feel Elizabeth being shifted out from under his body, and he dropped back to the one side of the couch. Elizabeth was being perched on top of Callen. Her body faced Ethan as she rode the other man.
It was quite th
e sight, and he was thoroughly enjoying the view. From the bouncing breasts, to his brothers hands gripping her hips tightly, to the space were his child was growing, Ethan was feeling his body needing contact with his woman.
Callen was in pure bliss. Reverse cowboy never felt so good. Elizabeth was giving him the perfect view of her spectacular derrière.
“God, angel! This is so hot,” he muttered.
Elizabeth leaned forward, so she could get her hands on Ethan. It brought her to her knees and gave Callen better access to her body. Now, he was controlling the depth of his strokes.
“Ethan,” she murmured, as his mouth sought hers. As soon as lips met lips, it was apparent that both men were in the mood to take their woman.
Ethan slid down into the cushions so she could rest against his body. While Callen found his bliss, Ethan reconnected with Elizabeth. Staring into her eyes, he lovingly stroked her face and watched her with unblinking eyes.
“Oh God,” Callen muttered, trying to hold out until Elizabeth fell again.
“Now, Lyzee,” Ethan whispered, as her eyes stayed locked on his. As if she were waiting, she stumbled and fell into the abyss, pulling Callen with her.
No one spoke for a few seconds. The only sound was heavy breathing as they all tried to catch their breath.
Ethan was on the bottom, and he had Elizabeth lovingly pressed along the length of his body.
“I love you both,” muttered Callen, as he rested over Elizabeth’s frame. He could feel his brother’s fingers on the back of his neck, and it offered him connection and peace.
“I love you, Ethan and Callen,” she muttered from between them.
Ethan’s heart overflowed. “I will never love anyone like I love you two,” he added.
For now, they were both content and at peace. All three of them were so very glad that they were able to find happiness once again.
“This is the best vacation ever,” muttered Callen, as his brother offered him a fist bump.
“Yee haw,” Blackhawk murmured, as Elizabeth cuddled against him. “I wouldn’t change a thing.”
* * *
Consumed by Wrath: An FBI/Romance Thriller (An FBI/Romance Thriller ~ Book 8) Page 10