Catching Her Mates

by Rebecca Airies

  “And we will. We just need to work together and communicate and not get overly upset because some situations turn south.” Archer leaned into the room. “Now, why don’t you two get some clothes on? We have food for everyone.”

  “You have food?” Judge blinked at them.

  “We got a text telling us to get dinner because someone wouldn’t have time to cook.” Archer focused on Leslie.

  “I knew I wouldn’t have time to do it.” She smirked and stretched.

  Archer’s eyes lowered to breasts. Heat flared in his gaze. Warmth stirred inside her. Oh yeah, he wanted her.

  “So you planned to have sex with me.” Judge raised an eyebrow.

  “Yes, men listen and are so much more cooperative when they’re relaxed. No easier way to relax them than to have sex.” She grinned and stroked his chest again.

  He narrowed his eyes. “We’re going to have to do something about your managing tendencies.”

  “Hey, do you have something against ending up in bed with me?” She raised a brow.

  “Personally, any time I can curl up next to you naked is a good time for me.” Archer grinned. “Now, move it, sweet cat. We have to eat before we can get to playtime again. Continue to argue with Judge on the way to the table.”

  “No, I didn’t mind sex. You were probably right about this being a subject better discussed when we’re calmer, but I do take issue with being out of the loop.” Judge nudged her under the chin with one finger before he rolled onto his back and out of bed.

  She reluctantly slid to the edge of the bed and strode to the bathroom where she quickly washed up before going to get some clothes on. Judge had already left the room. Not a surprise. He threw clothes on faster than anyone else she knew. Had they taught that in medical school?

  A quick meal and then they could get back to what was important. Cuddling, sex, and being together.

  And they had to stay together, united. Small fights could split them apart. The foxes wouldn’t stop attacking. Not until someone stopped them.

  Chapter Seventeen

  John started home. Before he’d gotten off work, he’d gotten a call from the County Sheriff. Someone poisoned the beer at a roadhouse outside of the city. He’d gone to see if there were any similarities. John steered around a tree-lined turn. Too many damn similarities to be a coincidence.

  Crack! He slashed his head to the right, but the wheel jerked. He focused on the road. His heart slammed in his chest. The car veered to the right. He corrected and tightened his grip. He let out a slow breath and tried to release the tension in his shoulders. As he drove, the ride roughened. His tire must have blown.

  He slowed down. A glance to the right showed plenty of room to pull off. His gut tightened. Too many incidents had happened lately. He was a target. Too much risk to stop. He drove until he reached the busy parking lot of a grocery store.

  He exhaled. Fucking hell, those foxes had made him a nervous, paranoid wreck. He pulled in and parked in a spot where he could jack up his car and take off the flat. This was going to take some time. He sent a quick text that he’d be late.

  He got out and walked back to the back tire. It was flat, but not a shredded mess. Surprising, since he’d had to drive on it. He paused and looked to the left and right, before slowly turning. No one watched, and he hadn’t been followed in. The only car moving nearby didn’t even pause at the entrance before turning onto the street. If his car weren’t disabled, someone would get a ticket for that. He stalked to the back of his car and pulled out the jack, lug wrench, and spare tire.

  It didn’t take long to change it. When he finished, he exhaled and stood, stretching before beginning to gather the tools. A quick stop at the garage, and he should be able to go home. Finally. Once he had everything stored in the trunk, he slammed it closed and walked over to the driver’s side.

  He drove to Rich’s Garage. He parked outside the bay and strolled in. His friend, Rich, should be in the office if he hadn’t taken off. If not, the manager should be here. He stopped outside the open door and knocked. His blond-haired friend held a phone to his ear. Rich waved him in, but continued talking.

  When Rich finished, he looked at John and smiled. “What can I do for you?”

  “I blew a tire and had to change it. I’ve now got a useless tire and need a new one to act as a spare.” John clenched his fist. “I had to drive on it, so the tire is ruined.”

  He took a deep breath. If he hadn’t driven on it, he might be able to discover what had happened to the tire. His tire shouldn’t have blown without some obvious damage. He’d bought those not too long ago. The attacks had made him cautious, but perhaps overly suspicious, as well.

  “Let’s go get your new tire, and we’ll roll it out there.” Rich nodded and led the way back.

  They picked up the tire. John paid for it and led the way to his car. He opened the trunk and pulled out the blown tire, exchanging it with the new tire. He fit the new tire in the trunk and secured it.

  Rich took the tire and slowly rolled it, looking it over. “I know you said you drove on it and I can definitely tell that, but this looks like something went through both sidewalls.”

  John knelt and looked at the part that Rich was pointing out. A hole gaped on one side as well as the other. It wasn’t shredded as the some of the tire was. Fuck. All right, maybe not too suspicious. Were they going to go after his family again, too? They had to be prepared, just in case.

  “Did something happen?” Rich asked.

  “Not sure. I heard a slight pop and thought it was just a regular blowout.” John shrugged.

  “I don’t think that it was regular, if you want my opinion.” Rich grimaced and lifted the tire. “I’d say be careful and keep your eyes open.”

  “Thanks, Rich. I always am.” John nodded. Even more so in the last few months. “I’ve got to get home before the others get worried.”

  John drove home. Leslie had enough to worry about, but she had to be aware even though they didn’t leave her alone. Even when she was at school, they stayed close while she was in class. Not in the same room, but if it became really bad, they would do that.

  Once there, he got out and slowly walked to the door. The warmth and familiar scents of his home relaxed him. Well, that and the fact that his brothers and Leslie were here, safe.

  Soft music played, and the aroma of chicken and vegetables drifted to him. So peaceful. If he told them immediately, he’d shatter the tranquil atmosphere. The soft murmur of conversation guided him to the kitchen. Leslie, Judge, and Archer sat at the table.

  “Hi, John.” Leslie smiled and rose. She strolled over to meet him. Her arms wrapped around him and hugged him. “Damn, you’re tense.”

  “Hi, Leslie.” He hugged her back and dropped a kiss on her lips. Such a great way to be welcomed home.

  “What has you so tense? And what kept you?” Archer raised a brow.

  “One of my tires blew, and I’m almost certain it wasn’t an accident. I can’t prove it though.” John sighed and paced over to the table with an arm around Leslie.

  Leslie gasped. “Did they try to hurt you?”

  “No, I didn’t stop where it blew. I kept going.” John shook his head. “The attacks have been too prevalent lately.”

  “Well, that’s good.” Archer nodded. “We’ll be more watchful when we’re out. If they sabotaged or somehow deflated it while you were driving, they might come after the rest of us.”

  “Since we all know that more difficulty might be coming, sit down. We can talk while dinner is in the oven.” Judge indicated the open seat. “It won’t be long, and then we can enjoy some time with our sweet cat.”

  Chapter Eighteen

  Judge sat back in the chair and stared at the dance floor. Leslie danced with John. Well, she danced, and John moved slightly to the beat. Judge smiled. That was more than his serious brother had done in a long time.

  Archer eased in behind her. The projected pattern lights danced over them and shot
highlights of color through Leslie’s short hair. Archer’s hands rested just above her waist on her deep purple shirt. Leslie glowed tonight.

  She was having fun. That was all that mattered. Including her friends in the outing increased that enjoyment. Even the newest addition to the group of women, Penny, had made it. With Chloe’s men and all of the friends, they took up a booth and a table.

  When Leslie returned to the table, she grabbed his hand and tugged. “Come out and dance with me.”

  He laughed. “After you’ve had something to drink.”

  He gestured to the waiting drinks. Her lower lip pushed out into a pout. Sometimes, she was adorable. She slid onto the cushion of the red booth with a huge sigh. He reached over and slid his hand over her thigh. She picked up her drink and took a few sips.

  “I am getting you out on that dance floor tonight, Judge.” She narrowed her eyes at him.

  “I have no problem dancing with you.” He smiled at her. Dancing offered a socially acceptable excuse to get close to her. He wouldn’t squander it. The only problem would be keeping the caresses above waist level and below her breasts. At the slightest brush of her skin, the temptation to glide his hands over her ass and cup that curve bubbled up. If he did that, he’d have to find somewhere not public very fast.

  “All right, I’ll hold you to it.” She nodded.

  “Did you finish redecorating your office, Chloe?” Shonna settled in her seat and picked up her drink.

  “I got the tech I wanted, but the room is a little bland. I can’t quite decide if I need to paint one of the walls as an accent wall or if I need to change up the decorations and furnishings to add more color.” Chloe frowned.

  “I guess this must be the week for decorating or redecorating. Penny decided to redo our living room and then started on her home and work office.” Maggie glanced over at her friend.

  “Not redecorating in the living room so much as rearranging and changing up the curtains and pillows.” Penny shrugged. “I love being able to move things around where I want and only have to worry if there’s a plug-in close enough.”

  “Do that a lot, do you?” Shonna asked with a smile. “How does Maggie feel about that?”

  “I only do the moving the furniture in the living room twice a year. She’s adjusted to it. And I know that she’s a cat, and they like stability in their den to a certain extent. After that first time and practically having to peel her off the wall while getting screamed at, I tell her before I do it, so she can prepare. And there is a reason behind it.” Penny lifted her shoulder.

  “What’s the reason?” John eased in on Leslie’s other side.

  Judge winced. The getting screamed at was probably an understatement.

  “Well, in the fall, I move it so that we’ll be able to open the curtains and get more light on us if the days turn dreary. This time, I’m late doing the summer move that puts the television in a position where we can see it without the glare of light if we have the curtains open.” Penny grinned.

  “Not bad. I might have to try that in the fall, especially if I have to work overtime and can’t get outside as much as I like.” Dixie nodded.

  “Did you finish your offices?” Leslie leaned forward.

  “No, Mags and I got into a discussion about a couple pieces of art that I thought might suit and didn’t get much done except straightening up the two desks.” Penny grimaced.

  “Is discussion a synonym for argument here?” Judge tilted his head to the side. Something about her tone carried frustration about that lack of progress.

  “Not really an argument so much as…” Her voice trailed off.

  “A quiet argument with ice cream and repeated demands of why.” Maggie chuckled.

  Shonna laughed. “What were the pieces of art that caused such discussion?”

  “A couple gorgeous murals of wolves, a painting of them and a giant wall mural of wolves.” Penny sighed and stared across the dance floor. “I still haven’t gotten a clear reason why they wouldn’t work.”

  “The door mural you wanted to put on the outer door to your office when you saw it, not in your office. You deal with pets, not wild animals, so it doesn’t fit the décor.” Maggie’s answer came in a rush. “The other I just don’t think suits your office, either one.”

  Judge glanced at Maggie. Something was definitely off there. What was Maggie hiding from her friend? Maggie reached down to her purse and then she grimaced.

  Penny looked at her friend as if she thought she’d gone crazy. “Well, anyway, I’m still looking for something on both fronts.”

  “I need to go out to my car. I found something you might like last night when I was searching and bookmarked it on my tablet.” Maggie rose to her feet and edged out of the booth.

  “I’ll go with you.” Judge rose to his feet. None of them should walk alone. Tony and Chloe’s mates made sure the friends didn’t go to their car alone when they left the bar.

  “Thank you.” Maggie nodded.

  He walked beside her as they left the bar. A light breeze grazed over his skin. He glanced over at Maggie. She held something back from Penny. They seemed close, so her reticence to come clean didn’t make sense. She slightly led the way across the parking lot filled with cars.

  “So what’s up with the artwork, and why didn’t you let her get what she wanted?” Judge swept his gaze over the parked cars, trying to pick out any sign of danger.

  “Because Penny has mates, and they’re not bears or wolves.” Maggie slid a glance over at him. “They aren’t ready to claim her yet, though.”

  “So cougar mates. Why would her mates care what kind of artwork she has in her office?” Judge scowled. Male cougars normally had no problem with images of other types of animals. He had some prints of mountains and hand-painted pictures of several different types of animals throughout his offices.

  “Yeah, they’re not going to be at their most logical when they finally get around to it. I don’t want any extra stress because she’s got life-size wolves on her walls. I know it might be overthinking it, but the situation isn’t normal. Some of them are already a little stressed.” Maggie shook her head.

  “She doesn’t know, does she?” Judge shot a quick look at her before he swept his gaze over the parking lot. This place had too many hiding places.

  “Not a clue, and they want it that way until they’re all on the same page.” Maggie clenched her fists. “Meanwhile she’s been dating off and on because she doesn’t know there’s any type of long-term whyr relationship in her future.”

  Judge let his breath out slowly. Not a good situation at all. Maggie might be worrying too much, but if one or two wanted Penny and the other didn’t, yes, the stress would rise, especially for the one longing for his mate. It might be best to keep an image of another type of shapeshifter off the wall.

  “You can tell her to go with a landscape for the door mural. More relaxing and won’t scare any clients who could be scared of wolves. Maybe something bright and colorful like birds, flowers, and butterflies for her work and home office to give it some color and life.” Judge lifted a shoulder. His sister had once said something like that when she was redoing her living room.

  “That might work.” Maggie nodded.

  They arrived at her car. She opened the door and leaned into her car. Judge glanced around the lot, before facing her once again. Maybe she’d found it. She turned with the tablet. Her eyes widened. A split second after that, pain spiked through his head and shoulder.

  The parking lot tilted and swirled in front of him. His stomach clenched. He stumbled forward. Two men rushed at him with what looked to be metal bars in their hands.

  Maggie sprang at one of the men. Fucking hell. Not that she would have listened even if he had managed to warn her. Damn, Ethan was going to kill him. Her momentum took one man to the ground. Too late for that now. The crazy female had involved herself.

  His throat tightened. Hopefully, she didn’t get hurt. Ethan Black, the alpha couga
r, did not play around when it came to his family. He was very protective of his sister.

  Judge lunged forward, grasping the arm with the bar as he tried to tackle the red-haired fox to the ground. He grabbed for his shoulder, but his hands slid off. They collided and stumbled into a car. Lights flared on. Honk, honk. The horn blasted in a persistent rhythm as the car’s lights flashed.

  Judge slammed the man’s wrist against the trunk. The pipe dropped and rolled to the ground. He exhaled. At least the weapon was out of the way. Judge kicked it toward the car. With any luck, it went right under the vehicle, but he didn’t watch it. This man had to go down now. He clamped his hand on the thug.

  The man wrenched, trying to get free of Judge’s hold. Not a chance in hell. Judge released his hold on one hand, drew back, and slammed a punch into the man’s chin. The man groaned, but his fist drove into Judge’s ribs.

  Pain sliced through Judge’s side. Air exploded from him. He gasped for air. He clenched his fist and smashed it twice more into a rock-hard jaw. The red-haired fox slumped limp. Judge released him and let the bastard fall to the ground.

  Judge turned toward the sound of a smack on flesh. He tensed. Maggie slammed the man’s head into the ground. Judge winced. The slender man swung his arm up, knocking her off him. He scrambled away and clambered to his feet. He ran away, disappearing into the darkness.

  “Are you all right? Did he hurt you?” Judge dashed over and helped her to her feet. He ran his eyes over her. Nothing visibly wrong.

  “No, he didn’t hurt me. I might have a bruise from his grip on me, but that’s it.” Maggie dusted off her skirt. “I didn’t even scrape my knees or tear my skirt.”

  “I’m going to call the police. Can you call John? He’ll want to know. I doubt that he’ll recognize the man over there, but the fact that he’s a fox is a definite indicator.” Judge rolled his shoulders. Freaking foxes never gave up.