Consumed by Wrath: An FBI/Romance Thriller (An FBI/Romance Thriller ~ Book 8)

by Kelley, Morgan

  * * *

  Cyra couldn’t believe her luck.

  Never in her wildest dreams did she ever think that her boss, Elizabeth Blackhawk, would be setting her free early to get some girl pampering. It was almost like she was in a dream.

  God, she prayed that she never woke up.

  Salem was a small town, but there were lots of places that she could go to find the perfect outfit. In fact, she was shocked to find a lingerie store not far from the nail salon.

  As the little red hearts dried on her nails, she decided to head in and find something racy for their evening.

  Being in a relationship with Chris was fairly easy. The man didn't really expect much when it came to their sex lives. He was just always so happy to be with her, that nothing else mattered.

  Well, tonight she was going to take a little trip down Sex Kitten Lane. She had the nails done, the dress was going to be steamy and sexy, and the unmentionables beneath, were going to make the man drool.

  Yeah, that was her goal.

  Whenever he stared at her hungrily, she wanted to melt into a big puddle of mush. How could she not? He was her sweet, sexy, mad scientist, and he owned her heart.

  Forever.

  As she walked inside, there were so many things to choose from. There were things with garters, bustiers and things that even made her blush, and too risqué for her to even attempt to pull them off. Cyra would be overcome with a fit of giggles and a furious heat flash.

  Running her fingers over one particular piece of lingerie, she wondered if the man in her life would approve. Before she could contemplate anything further, her phone started to ring. Unfortunately, by the tone, she knew who was calling.

  “Yes, Cannon?” she said, answering. It wasn’t that she didn't love her brother, it was that he pissed her off.

  “What are you doing?”

  “I’m shopping.”

  “Are you home?”

  Cyra looked around and almost wanted to laugh. “No, I’m across the country.”

  “Then why are you shopping?”

  Obviously, the man was bored out of his damn mind. “If you must know, I’m picking out lingerie for tonight. Happy?”

  There was a gagging sound on the other end. “Please. I don’t want to know what you and Doctor Doom are doing for Valentine’s Day.”

  Her anger spiked. “If you don’t stop calling him names, I’ll never talk to you again, Cannon. Christopher is going to be my husband, and I won’t tolerate it.”

  The man laughed. “Yeah, if you ever make it to the altar, then he’ll be your husband. Our sister told me that you’re having a hell of a time making the plans. Maybe the universe is trying to tell you something.”

  Cyra felt the happiness seeping out of her day. It was sad that someone, who was supposed to love her, was making it completely miserable. “What do you want, Cannon?”

  “Nothing. I just wanted to call and see if you were around.”

  Cyra didn't see any point in continuing the conversation then. Why bother? “I’m not, so have a good day,” she said, hanging up the phone.

  When the sales woman came up to her, Cyra was overwhelmed with emotion. She knew better than to answer the phone. What was she thinking?

  “Can I help you with something?” the woman asked.

  Cyra nodded, even as the tears threatened to fall. She wondered if there was anything in that boutique that could get Chris to tie the knot even sooner.

  Because at this rate, he was going to be the only family she had.

  Hotel Blackhawk

  Three Hours Later

  It had been a long few days without her kids.

  Elizabeth was already jonesing to see her babies, but every time she contacted Wyler, they were asleep, or he wasn’t at home. It was beginning to worry her.

  Maybe he was overworked, or lost one of them and was afraid to tell her.

  Yeah, it was silly, but as a mother, her worries were front and center. Her little baby birds were her treasures. In fact, there was this excitement brewing over telling the patriarch of the family that they were expecting once more. Telling him that he was going to be a grandfather again was either going to thrill him or kill him.

  Since he was the one handling all the kids, this might be his breaking point.

  Granted, he had Bly Cocheta to help him, but things there were rapidly deteriorating. A few months ago, the woman brought up marriage, and it didn't end the way she hoped. Unlike the last woman who did that, she didn't try to kill him or turn a child against him, but instead she cut off the physical relationship.

  As in, it was dead.

  Six feet under and no chance for resuscitation.

  To add insult to injury, she began dating some other man from the Rez. For a while, Wyler tried to let it go, but they all knew it was breaking his heart. Then, here it was, Valentine’s Day, and the man was stuck at home with three kids and no sex to be seen.

  Everything in her wanted to kick Bly’s ass, but what could she do?

  Wyler told her no marriage, despite knowing that Bly was obviously thinking their courtship would have an altar date.

  Instead, it had nothing more than an expiry one.

  For now, the three of them were trying to keep positive and not let the man’s spirits slip.

  There was someone out there for everyone, and there was always hope that Wyler would find love.

  Again.

  As Elizabeth waited patiently on the couch, holding the tablet, she really wanted to log into the video conference call and see her kids.

  This was probably the hardest part about her job. She missed her children in the worst way. CJ was as handsome as ever. While he looked more like Ethan, they could already tell that he was going to have his momma’s personality. He laughed and was bubbly with just about everything.

  Cat was beautiful. Stunningly so, that it took Elizabeth’s breath away. She had the sharp angular features forming and the tan skin like Callen, but under it all, she was going to look like her birth mother, Desdemona.

  Part of that broke Elizabeth’s heart. Here, she had been friends with the woman, and then had been slashed to pieces by her angry barbs. Now, she was raising Desdemona’s child as her own. Life was full of ironies, and this was one more of them.

  The woman who hated her guts had given her a permanent link to that memory forever. The only thing that made it easier was watching Callen with his kids. His love was so achingly beautiful, that it patched over that scar on her heart. Catherine Naomi was hers, as much as his.

  Then there was her little pudge ball. EJ was a sweet child. He was very laid back and good natured like his father. The most endearing thing about her two boys was that many times, they would find CJ missing from his room, only to locate him in bed with his brother.

  It was as if they were two peas in the pod and couldn’t bear to be apart.

  Just like their fathers were, then and now.

  Laying her hand over her belly, she leaned her head back and thought about the little life growing there. The baby was still too small to find out the gender, but already a huge part of her heart.

  Part of her wanted the child to be a girl, just so Ethan could have his wish and Cat could have a sister. Elizabeth knew that Ethan wanted a daughter in the worst possible way, and if she could give him one, her job as mother and wife would be at a pinnacle for her.

  She wasn’t a religious person, by any means, but in this one case, she was willing to bend a rule. “Okay, please let me have a girl. I know that I shouldn’t be asking you, because I don’t believe you exist, but I need to cover my bases. I know I’m like one of those people who only show up on Christmas and Easter, but if you’re out there, toss me a kid that will grow up like me, and torment the living hell out of all of us. I know that it’s crazy to even ask that, and I wouldn’t if it wasn’t important. I’m not asking for me, but so I can give Ethan this one thing and heal that last little piece of his heart.”

  From the stairs, he st
ood there watching her. When he heard her talking, he had to investigate. Behind him stood Callen, as they eavesdropped on Elizabeth. He couldn’t believe that she was praying to a God she didn't believe in anymore, just for him.

  That touched him immensely. She was willing to swallow her pride and beliefs for his heart.

  “I could make you a bunch of promises, but you know that I won’t keep them. I’m still going to cuss and have ridiculous amounts of sex until it borders on fornication, and I know that I’ll still be a little trigger happy, but can you cut him a break? He’s suffered enough the last few months. If you give me this one thing, I’ll become a nun.”

  Both men looked horrified.

  “Okay, we know I won’t. See, that was one of those promises that I have no intention of keeping. But hey, at least I’m honest,” she added, taking a deep breath.

  “If you let him have this, I’ll try to calm down and be a better person, because my kids need me to lead by example. I’ll love the men in my life even more than I thought possible, and deeper than I ever thought I could. Hell! I’ll tell Bly that I love her and kiss her on the mouth if you just give me a girl. That’s saying a lot, since you know she hates me and I can’t stand her, either.”

  Ethan felt his eyes fill up with tears.

  “Anyway, just please give Ethan what he’s earned. He’s done his time in hell, so cut him a break, and give him a daughter of his own. I see how he looks at Cat, and I don’t want to fail him again. I want to give him everything that I can in life.”

  Callen didn't know his brother was hurting over this, and his heart broke for him. Even though the kids were shared equally, he never noticed the hurt that Elizabeth spoke of until now. Reaching for the man he loved, Callen rested his hand on his brother’s shoulder. When Ethan’s hand covered his, but his gaze remained averted, he knew everything Elizabeth had said was true.

  “Please,” she whispered. “Let this be my one thing I’ve earned too. After all the death, my mom being stolen away, my dad dying, and you taking Timothy when I just finally got back on my feet, I need it. Please give me this one thing to heal all of our hearts,” she paused, wiping her cheeks on the back of her hand. “Amen.”

  Both men on the stairs slowly backed up, and cautiously ducked around the corner to give her a moment to gather herself.

  Callen focused on his brother and the emotion in his eyes. “I didn't know that was how you felt inside. I’m so sorry, Ethan,” he said.

  Blackhawk shrugged.

  “We promised to talk things out,” Callen whispered. “Tell me what you’re feeling. Help me get you through this. Don’t block me out.”

  Since he had thrown down the rules, he was obliged to follow them. “I love Catherine, but she’s not mine. I want a little Lyzee running around and raising hell. With boys you expect it, but with a little girl, it’s a treasure. When I brought Elizabeth back north, to exhume her father, we went to Gabe’s for dinner. He had five little girls, all pigtails and pretty dresses, running around like hellions. On that day, I fell in love. I’ve wanted a little girl who would make me laugh and weep with joy.”

  He understood, since he had a daughter. It was a whole new experience from a son.

  “One day Cat’s going to get married, and ultimately, I won’t be her father. You’re her dad. It won’t be me walking her down the aisle, or telling her that I’m giving away my little girl. She’s yours, Cal, and you’re damn lucky.”

  His heart ached for Ethan as he let him get the rest off his chest.

  “I don’t want you to think I don’t want Cat or don’t love her, because I adore her. She’s helped me get through the last four months. When Parrish used our kids to break me, I didn't think, ‘oh, she’s not mine’, because it hurt just as much. When he told me he was going to torture them all, they were mine to protect.”

  Whitefox hugged his brother. “We’ll get through this,” he promised.

  Blackhawk relaxed against his little brother, and took the advice of the shrink. He leaned when he wasn’t strong. “Thank you for being here for me, Cal. Thank you for taking care of Elizabeth when I was lost and unable to do my job. I know you kept her safe while I wasn’t well enough to do it. I’m aware that you gave her back what I took away in my absence.”

  Callen hugged him.

  “Thank you for this pregnancy too. I know that with what happened, if you didn't take one for the team, this baby would be yours too. I know you sacrificed a lot for me these last four months, and I won’t ever forget it.”

  “When you came back into my life, Ethan, you let the anger go to help me. When Timothy died, you gave me your wife. I can’t repay that, but I can give that kindness back to a man that I love very much, when he’s struggling.”

  “Thank you for being my brother, Callen. I’m so lucky that I have you in my life. I can’t imagine a day without you by my side. You and Elizabeth are my everything.”

  Callen stared into his brother’s eyes. “I will always be here for you. No matter what happens, I’ll stick, because she’s our heart. I’ll do whatever it takes for the rest of my life. You’re my blood.”

  He said the words in their native tongue.

  Ethan offered it back, as he let his brother hug him. It reminded him of when they were kids and Callen was afraid of what was coming. Then, Ethan would offer him comfort and protection, because Callen was the weaker of the two. Now, it was his turn to be protected by love and blood.

  They took a minute to regroup. When both men were able to hide what had just happened, only then did they come down the stairs.

  “Hey beautiful, are you ready for Valentine’s Day presents?” Callen asked, cheerfully.

  “Hell yes I am,” she answered, patting the two sides of the couch flanking her. “Sexy man number one and sexy man number two, get front and center for our annual puffy heart extravaganza.”

  Callen hopped the couch and landed beside her. Immediately, his hands went to her belly and he rubbed it. “When do we find out how far along you are?”

  “I guess when we get home.”

  He thought about it. “Can I go to the doctor’s appointment when you go?”

  Ethan vaulted the couch too, and took his spot beside her. “Absolutely. I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

  Elizabeth wanted to talk about the baby. “I have something that I need to get off my chest.”

  Both men waited. “Okay,” they replied together.

  “I know in the past that I’ve given free reign over naming rights, but I really feel compelled to do this one on my own.”

  Ethan stared into her eyes. After what he just heard, she could have his spleen if she was so inclined. “Okay. It’s all yours. Have at it, baby.”

  She stared at him. “Don’t you want to know the name before you agree to that? I mean, what if I lose my nut and try to call our kid, Banana Fudge Ripple Blackhawk?”

  They both found that funny.

  “Or Sunshine Moonbeam Goldilocks?”

  Ethan wasn’t worried in the least. “You're up for this one, baby. I picked CJ’s name, and Callen picked Cat and EJ’s, so this means it’s your turn. Have at it.”

  “Okay. I already decided.”

  They waited on baited breath.

  “I would like to introduce you to Charlie Samuel Blackhawk or Charlie Samantha Blackhawk.”

  Ethan’s eyes filled with tears. “I think that’s a perfect name, and our child is going to be blessed to have you as a mother. In fact, our children are the luckiest kids in the world.”

  She lightly kissed him, and then turned to Callen. “I love you both.”

  This was what Valentine’s Day should be all about.

  “Okay, now shower me with gifts. I’m giving you both a kid, and we know this is a girl holiday, so start handing them out.”

  Both men laughed.

  Callen went first. Pulling out a box, he held it in his hands. “This is from our children to their mommy on Valentine’s Day. Since you made them,
you’re the first love of their lives.”

  She sniffled already. Opening the box, she stared inside. There was a matching key, like the one Ethan had once given her. When she was home, she wore it all the time.

  “The key signifies me, to match Ethan’s, but these,” he lifted the little cotton layer and underneath were three little locks shaped like hearts. “You can divide them up and wear two necklaces, or all on one. But each lock is one of our babies. When we get home, I’ll pick one up for Charlie.”

  “This is perfect,” she whispered, loving how sweet Callen could be.

  “The key opens the locks, but you’re the one we all trust to keep them safe. You’re the keeper of all of us, Lyzee. You’re my all.”

  She began to cry. “Oh, Callen!”

  He grinned. “It wasn’t me. Talk to the kids, because they really love their momma.”

  She loved them too. “I will cherish this.”

  Blackhawk offered him a fist bump. “Smooth.”

  He winked. If anything, he had watched Ethan over the last couple years. The suaveness was a learned trait from his big brother.

  “Okay, I’m next. In order to get your surprise, call home. Your presents are there.”

  Elizabeth beeped Wyler and waited for him to come on the screen. When his face popped on, she noticed he didn't look too upset, but he did look tired.

  “Happy Valentine’s Day, Dad! Want to be my valentine?”

  He gave her the Blackhawk grin. “Absolutely, since you’re my favorite”

  “How are you?”

  “Frazzled.”

  That worried her. “Oh, Dad, why?” Her worries had been confirmed.

  “Well, you have to see for yourself.”

  Turning the tablet around, first it focused on CJ, and then she saw it.

  “Oh my God! Are those…”

  Wyler’s voice came over the tablet. “Your husbands, my sons, thought that three kids and two puppies was a good idea. Well, the house is a mess, and Bly is on the warpath.”

  She stared at them, getting giddy. “Oh my God! They’re fluffy and,” she paused. “CJ love, don’t eat the puppy.”