Catching Her Mates

by Rebecca Airies

  “Will do,” Archer said.

  “McCallum, you’re in charge.” John dialed dispatch as he ran for his vehicle. “Send cars to my home. There’s a suspicious vehicle, and the people in it have binoculars. I want the men in the van questioned, and someone to check my home.”

  The son of a bitch hadn’t been bluffing. He threw his car into gear and pulled out.

  He flipped on the lights and sirens. His men would get there before he did. Hopefully, it was before the men moved on his home. His tongue stuck to the roof of his Sahara-dry mouth. He couldn’t lose her or his brothers to the machinations of that maniac.

  He turned onto his street and exhaled. The tension melted from the corded muscles in his shoulders. Officers stood beside a white van, and a stocky younger man and an older lean man with gray-streaked red hair leaned against it. He pulled the car to the curb. After slamming his car door, he strode to the officers even as he pulled out his phone and dialed Archer. They had to be all right.

  “She’s in the room, John. Officers are searching the house and the backyard,” Archer said.

  “Good. I wanted to make sure. I just arrived. I’ll be in when I have more information. Stay with her and stay safe.” John took a deep breath. He couldn’t run in the house to search it himself. He could get himself or another officer killed with that kind of distraction.

  “Will do, but she’s worried about you. Talk to you soon.” Archer hung up the phone.

  “You’re kind of bleeding, boss.” Officer Dan Howard raised an eyebrow.

  “I’m good. It’s a scratch.” John stepped forward to speak with the two officers. “What are these two men doing?”

  “According to them, they were waiting for word that their families had managed to get out of town so that they could leave themselves without fearing reprisals from the fox alpha and his friends,” Officer James Sands said.

  “Did they receive the calls?” John glanced at the men.

  “One of them has. His family is out of town. The other hasn’t received word yet. They also hadn’t received the call they were told to expect before they moved so maybe someone else decided to back out.” James nodded.

  It made sense. These men couldn’t be the only ones pressured to do what the fox alpha wanted. Cunningham must have realized his scheming would soon be discovered, but not that they were so close.

  “And what about the men clearing the area and house?” He turned toward his house. An officer stood beside the front door.

  “They haven’t found anything or sign of any other men waiting or watching your home even on other streets.” Dan smiled.

  “Good. I want to know when the search is—” John stopped when a jazzy tune played on one of the men’s phones.

  The man glanced at the screen. His shoulders lowered, and he exhaled.

  “They’re out of the city.” The younger man sagged back against the van.

  “All right, why don’t you start by telling us who you are and who contacted you and what you were supposed to do?” John turned to the two men. They hadn’t done anything except watch the house. Since they were on the city street, they weren’t even trespassing.

  “I’m Tom Womack. Alpha Cunningham contacted me. He told me to come to this address and to bring my gun. We were to wait until we got a call. When we did, we were to go in and not leave anyone alive. I didn’t want to do that, but he threatened my family, which is why I had to wait for them to get out of the city before I could leave myself.” The leaner man exhaled.

  “On this phone or another phone?” John frowned. The other men had temporary phones they used. Did the alpha just not care or did he rush this?

  “On this phone.” The man frowned. “I don’t have another one.”

  “I only have one phone, too. Sam Carson, by the way. This is the only one he could use.” The younger man lifted his phone.

  These men weren’t normal supporters of Cunningham’s. So why had he chosen to try to blackmail them into attacking his home?

  “Why did he choose you?” John let his gaze rove over both of the men.

  “I don’t know about him, but for me, I think it’s because my brother just claimed the woman he tried to force into marrying him. Revenge. He wanted to ruin my life, my family. They moved out of town even before they announced they were together because of what he’d been doing to her.” Tom grimaced. He ran a hand through his hair.

  John glanced at Sam.

  “I don’t know, but I do know my brother was talking about how the alpha was going to make things great. The next thing I know, he’s left town. He calls in once a week from a different phone number each time, and he won’t say anything about why he left. He just told me not to trust the alpha.” Sam sighed. “I wish he’d told me why so I could have gotten everyone out before this happened.”

  “Sir, the house is clear and so is the area around your home.” Officer Chris Damian stopped beside the group.

  “Good. I’m going in to my family.” He turned to the two men. “You two will need to go make a formal statement and will need to be available for further questioning.”

  “With pleasure. If I can help put that bastard in jail, I’ll sleep much better at night.” Tom Womack nodded.

  Their entire story would need to be corroborated. At the moment, getting to Leslie, making sure she and his brothers were all right, was all that mattered.

  John left the men with his officers and went inside. He inhaled. He wouldn’t take anything for granted.

  He paced through the second story and ground level before he went into the basement. No strange scents. Nothing that shouldn’t be there.

  He paused outside the door where Leslie’s scent ended. His fingers hovered over the knob. Better to call out first before he burst into the room. Their nerves were probably as raw as his.

  “Archer, Judge, I’m here. It’s only me coming into the room.” John grasped the doorknob and turned it slowly.

  “Get your ass in here, John. It’s about time you showed up. We’ve been going crazy wondering what was happening out there. You didn’t call to tell us it was all right to come out,” Archer called back.

  “I wanted to do a search of the house myself.” John pushed the door open.

  Judge held Leslie in his arms on the couch. Archer stood in front of them both, gun in hand. He looked past John and then put the gun into a drawer of a small end table beside the couch.

  “Damn, that took some years off my life.” Archer rubbed the back of his neck.

  “You’re bleeding!” Leslie bounced out of Judge’s arms, rushed up to him, and ripped his sleeve so that she could see the wound.

  He winced as the tightening fabric pressed against the wound. “It’s nothing, sweet cat. It’s a scrape.”

  “No, it isn’t. Didn’t you even look at it?” She guided him to a chair and pushed him down.

  No, but he wasn’t going to say that. “Felt like a scratch at the time. Then I got the call and didn’t care.”

  “There are two holes on your arm. A bullet went through it. That is not a scratch.” She poked her finger into his chest. “You are going to the hospital.”

  “Judge can take care of it. He’s a doctor.” John looked over at his brother. He narrowed his eyes. Judge better back him up on this.

  “And the doctor says you’re going to the hospital. We need to get scans to make sure there aren’t any bullet fragments and discover what soft tissue damage there is.” Judge smiled widely.

  “There. See, hospital.” Leslie crossed her arms over her chest.

  Fuck. He lowered his head and clenched his jaw. Judge would pay for this one. Now, he had to deal with the poking and prodding. Such a waste of time when he could be holding Leslie.

  “Fine, but I’m holding you all the way there. You don’t know what it did to me to wonder if my officers would be too late. If I’d walk in and find it all gone.” He shook his head. “I need you near me.”

  “Then, I’ll be right here beside you.�
� She slipped around to his unhurt side and settled her hand on his back. “And when we get back home, you can show me how much you missed me.”

  Chapter Thirty

  “What’s up, Archer?” She frowned at him. What did he have up his sleeve tonight? “I know the power’s not out. Our neighbors had lights on when we drove up.”

  A golden glow flickered into the hall from the dining room rather than the bright glare of the lamps and overhead lights. A smile curved his lips. He’d expected this.

  “Looks like we’re having a night in.” Archer put his hand on her lower back, urging her to move forward.

  “What kind of night in?” She poked her finger against his chest.

  They didn’t have anything special planned. If things went as they had in the last few days, either John or Judge, or if she was really unlucky, both of them, would be called away.

  “Why don’t we wait until we get to the dining room for any questions?” He tapped her buttocks.

  “Maybe I’m in a curious mood.” She grinned over at him.

  “Well, don’t worry about it. You’ll get your answers shortly. Come on into the dining room.” John stepped into the hallway.

  Order-giving male. She followed him into the dining room. As if a little information would hurt. She stopped in the doorway, drawing in a breath.

  Candles flickered from holders along the table and along the half wall. As she stepped into the room, soft music began playing. Judge put a small remote down on the half wall.

  “Hey, sweet cat, I’ve missed you.” Judge held out his arms.

  She walked over and hugged him. Damn, she’d missed him. He’d been called in to the hospital four nights out of the last five. A few hours during the day and evening just wasn’t enough. Sleep always came easier when her men were with her.

  “I’ve missed you, too. Both of you. Sure we’re not going to get interrupted again?” She glanced over at John.

  “Not tonight unless there’s an absolute emergency. There better be something big if I’m called in tonight.” John grinned.

  “As for me, I’m not on call and unless it’s something that needs extra doctors, I won’t be contacted.” Judge stroked her back. “We wanted to make sure we were all here and wouldn’t be called away.”

  “For what?” Her heart pounded. Her throat tightened, and she tried to keep her hopes under control.

  “To make your night special.” Archer strolled up behind her. He tugged her out of Judge’s hold and wrapped his arms around her waist.

  She bit her lip. Were they going to ask her to marry them? “Any night you’re all with me is special.”

  “This is going to be more special than that.” Judge smiled. “Come over here and sit.”

  He pulled a chair away from the table and patted the back of it. She eased into the seat and clasped her hands tightly together in her lap. Her throat tightened. She drew in a deep breath, seeking calm. She wriggled in her seat. Calm wasn’t going to happen until they revealed what they wanted to ask. Judge, John, and Archer stood in front of her.

  “All right, you three standing over me isn’t helping soothe me. What’s happening?” Her nails dug into the skin of her hand.

  All three men knelt in front of her. John reached over and took her hands. He smiled and stroked his fingers over hers. He covered them.

  “Relax. Why don’t you let me hold one of those? I’ll be a lot gentler than you are. You’ll like this talk. Trust me.” John tugged at her hands.

  “I do trust you, John.” She unwound her fingers and slid her palm over his. Trust wasn’t the problem. “I’m curious, excited, and nervous.”

  John held one hand. Archer drew the other between his. Judge smiled and rested his palms on her thighs.

  “Sweet cat, we talked about how to ask you this. We decided the best way was to be honest about everything.” Judge’s grip tightened.

  She licked her lips. Logically, the next steps in their relationship were obvious. Her stomach clenched. Did they want everything she did? A mating, a marriage, and everything that went along with that. The feelings and the acknowledgment of them. She’d said it, but they hadn’t said anything at all.

  “Honest about what?” She stared up at him. Her chest ached.

  “We love you, Leslie. I should have taken the time to tell you that when you told me on the phone, but I wanted to say those words when I could hold you.” Archer squeezed her hand.

  She smiled and would have reached for him, but he didn’t let go. “I love you, too.”

  “It feels good to hear you say that when I’m in front of you.” John reached up and brushed her hair off her forehead. “But there’s more.”

  “Would you go through the ceremony with us?” Archer asked.

  “Yes!” She jumped up. So much better than she’d imagined.

  “Wait.” Judge urged her back into the chair.

  “What?” She frowned. What else did they have to say? They’d said more than she could have hoped.

  “Would you marry us?” John asked.

  She blinked. Not something a male cougar normally said. Whyr hardly ever married unless it was to keep a human mate happy. “Yes, but why?”

  “We love you and want to everything with you. That includes a marriage. I know it’s not completely romantic, but we also want everyone to know that you belong to us.” Archer squeezed her hand.

  “The answer’s still yes. I think this calls for a celebration. Want to skip dinner and go to bed? We can come up for air and have a midnight snack.” She raised her eyebrows.

  * * * *

  Leslie’s stomach churned. She put her hand over her stomach and drew in deep breaths. Almost time for the ceremony. Finally. She peered into the big oval mirror in front of her.

  “Are you all right?” Shonna cupped Leslie’s shoulder.

  “Yes, just a little nervous. There are a lot of people out there.” Leslie took a deep breath. She smoothed the silky fabric of her royal-blue gown across her stomach.

  “It’s a mating ceremony, and you and your men have a lot of friends. It’s going to make for a big party.” Dixie stepped in behind Leslie and started working with her hair.

  “On top of that, I’ve been thinking about the wedding.” Leslie scowled at the curly-haired bear in the black-and-silver dress. Royal blue, black, and silver had been a good choice for mating ceremony colors.

  “What’s the problem?” Chloe leaned in and swiped a poof across her cheek. “We all know you love those three, so it can’t be anything big.”

  “Yes, I love them, and they love me. They’re just a little impatient for the wedding to happen. But I’m kind of lost in the details. There are all the choices. Big, small, outdoors, or indoors. They couldn’t care less about what and where as long as we get married.” Leslie touched her hair. Marrying them was a dream, and she wanted to make it something they all remembered.

  Dixie smacked her hand. “No touching. You’ll ruin the curls I have in the front. You’ve got a big party going on in your and your men’s honor. You have to look your best.”

  Her bare shoulders gleamed and sparkled. Leslie leaned closer to the reflective surface. Yes, sparkles. “Did that lotion have glitter in it, Chloe?”

  “Yes, but it’s edible and strawberry-flavored. Nothing to worry about when they bite you.” Chloe held a makeup palette in her palm.

  Knock, knock. Leslie turned. Logan pulled open the door and stuck his head into the dressing room.

  “John said be out in less than five minutes or he’s coming in after you. You’re already beautiful.” Logan smiled. “You’re gorgeous tonight, Chloe.”

  “We’re almost done. Go on out there.” Chloe waved at him and blew a kiss. “I love you in a suit.”

  Logan closed the door. Leslie faced the mirror again.

  “Take your time. Make your wedding perfect. You only get one. Maybe bribe them a little to keep them in a good mood while you’re doing it.” Dixie tugged at a strand of hair until it fell
into place.

  “After the mating ceremony, I should have more time to make decisions. Even if I knew exactly how I wanted everything to be, it would take a little while to schedule and get it in place.” She shook her head.

  “Then work out what you do want.” Chloe stepped back and nodded. “You’re ready. Let’s go out before John comes in and carries you out over his shoulder. Dixie might try bowling with him if he does that and messes up your hair.”

  Leslie laughed. “Just not at my ceremony, either of them. Eventually, I’ll have that actual wedding, and I don’t want any bowling there.”

  She strode to the door and opened it. Butterflies bounced around in her stomach, but warmth spread through her. This was right. She stepped out into the wide hall. Dixie stepped up beside her as Chloe and Shonna followed them. The strode to the ballroom set up for the mating ceremony.

  Dixie pushed the door open. Leslie followed her into the room. White fabric trimmed with silver draped along the walls. Blue bows decorated the top of each dipping arch. A thrill ran through her. Exactly as she’d wanted.

  People milled about. They parted as Leslie approached and formed a large circle. John, Archer, and Judge stood in the center of the room with Ethan Black beside them. An inner circle formed around them, made up of their family and closest friends.

  “You look beautiful, Leslie.” John brushed his fingers over her cheek. “Love you, angel.”

  “And all of you are mouthwateringly delicious. I can’t wait to peel you out of those suits. I love you, too.” She slid her fingers over the smooth fabric of his lapel. Black suited them.

  “We have a party to get through, kitten.” Archer leaned in.

  His lips ground against hers. Warmth spread through her. She cupped the back of his neck, but he pulled back. Damn, not the time.

  “Not yet.” Archer laughed. “Soon.”

  “My turn. Angel, I can’t wait until we’re formally mated.” Judge curled his arm around her and pulled her close. “I adore you.”

  “I’m a little anxious, too. You three are my life. I wondered if it was a dream a couple times.” She leaned her head against his chest. “I can’t wait to start our lives as a formally mated family.”