by Lisa Oliver
“Simon’s got him cuffed in the other room. Liam, what did Farriday say?”
“Yeah, he’s awake now,” Liam said into the phone. “Doc wants to know if you have black spots in front of your eyes, a headache or puffy fingers.”
“No,” Seth said. “I did, the black spots bit and the headache, but it’s easing now.”
Liam relayed the information and listened for a minute before disconnecting the call. “Rest, no stress, eat. He wants to see you in the office tomorrow, to check you over before the wedding but for now, he reckons if either of those symptoms come back to call him immediately.”
“Liam, I need you to stay here with Seth. Lock the door, don’t let anyone in until you hear my voice,” Ra said.
“I’m not letting you deal with that man alone,” Seth said hotly. “He’s my sperm donor; he’s threatening the life in my belly; he bound my magic. I have a right to be with you.”
“And you fainted the moment my tiger emerged.” Ra cupped Seth’s chin. “Babe, if this guy doesn’t start talking, things are going to get nasty.”
“I didn’t faint because of your tiger. I had a panic attack at the thought of him taking one of our babies away.” Seth’s voice was still shaky and Ra’s fury burned.
“Totally understandable.” Ra managed a grin. “I’ve been a klutz since we met, but me and the guys; we know how to handle douche bags like this. Let me take care of this, please.”
Seth sighed and his kiss on Ra’s face was soft. “Let Liam bring me some food first, please. All the painting and fainting has given me one hell of an appetite.”
“These little ones aren’t helping.” Ra nodded to Liam who shot out of the door. He sat, holding Seth close, one hand cupped protectively over his mate’s belly, his mind seething. That Fae had better talk or his spark will be snuffed by nightfall. He chuffed at the knowledge he had friends who would help him hide the body, no questions asked.
*****
The first person Ra spotted when he entered the crowded living room was Deputy Joe. “You’re not going to stop us from what we have to do, are you Joe, because if you are you can leave now.”
“I’m observing,” Joe said just as firmly. “A man broke into your house; he threatened to take one of your unborn children. It’s not a town matter. But watch yourself. We don’t want rampaging Fae on our freaking necks.”
“Don’t think anyone would miss this one anyway,” Ra snarled at the hapless Fae who was glaring at him from his chair, surrounded by his friends. “Who are you Fae? What gives you the right to think you can swan into our lives and fucking demand one of my children and think you can get away with it?”
“I don’t have to talk to you, tiger,” the Fae said arrogantly. “Shifters have no jurisdiction over magical beings.”
“And magical beings have no jurisdiction over shifters either, isn’t that right, Deputy?” Simon said.
“That’s right,” Joe said. “As the duly elected law enforcement official in this territory, it’s my place to inform you, you’re seen as a trespasser. You’ve broken into a private dwelling….”
“I didn’t break anything. I materialized.”
“Nonetheless, you committed a criminal act,” Joe’s voice was curt. “We have laws in this town and one them includes not materializing where you’re not invited.”
“I needed to see my son,” the Fae said, his eyes riveted on Ra. “I don’t care what rights you think you have over that rabbit, but I’m his biological father. You can’t keep me from him.”
Ra heard the unmistakable sound of a shotgun click and he spun around to see Charles pointing a rifle at the Fae. “Actually, scumbag, you gave up those rights when you left him under a tree. Seth is my son, adopted in accordance with paranormal laws. Now start talking, asshole, or you won’t have a mouth left to talk with.”
“Who the hell called him?” Ra mouthed at Rocky who was watching the scene with a grin Ra knew only too well. Rocky shrugged, but Ra caught Mal looking away. He turned back to the captive. He could deal with his friends later.
“I’ll ask for the last time – what’s your name and what do you think gives you the right to take one of my children?”
The Fae stayed sullenly silent. Ra’s fists itched, but he knew punching the crap out of the man, while satisfying, wouldn’t help.
“Fine,” he said when it was clear his captive wouldn’t talk. “Joe, I think it’s time you left unless you want to join us for dinner. I’m sure the unfortunate demise of a strange trespasser isn’t going to cause any problems with anyone in town, is it?”
Joe shook his head. “Nope, perfectly understandable given the circumstances.
“Good.” Ra turned to his father-in-law. For a rabbit, Charles could sport a mean look when he wanted to and that rifle wouldn’t miss. “Charles. Shoot him. Guys, let’s get some food and we can deal with the mess afterward.”
“You’re going to shoot me in cold blood? You haven’t a clue who you’re messing with.”
Ra smiled. There was nothing like imminent death to loosen someone’s tongue. “You’re right; I don’t know who you are, because despite being asked it seems you haven’t got the brain cells or the manners to introduce yourself. If you’re not going to talk, that’s your right. I’ve got a mate to comfort, a nursery to finish and a wedding planned for two days’ time. I can’t do that if I’m worried about what tricks you’re going to pull. So yeah, shooting you seems like a damn fine option to me and a lot quicker than sitting around waiting for you to spill your guts on your own.”
He turned to leave, his back more effective than any words. He heard the click of the gun and waited…one…two…three.
“Wait!” An arrogant bastard was never in a hurry to face death.
“Fuck,” Charles lowered his rifle, but only marginally. “Make up your mind. This damn thing’s not made of fairy dust and I’m not getting any younger.”
“My name is Aeron,” the Fae said in a rush. “I’m the only son and heir to the Concordance Group. President Brach is my father.”
Ra raised an eyebrow and Simon whistled. The Concordance Group worked closely with human military organizations, developing new technologies. Their efforts were seen as a major reason why human governments allowed shifters to govern their own towns independently of human laws. The family’s personal worth was estimated in the billions of dollars.
“With all the money and influence your family has, why the hell are you reduced to trying to take our child? You said you were married. You must have other children by now.”
“I don’t,” Aeron said bitterly. “It’s very rare for Fae to have children and my wife and I never consummated our marriage.”
“It’s not like you’re not quick to have affairs. Shit, you’re fae, let someone fuck you and have the child yourself.”
“I can’t do that either,” Aeron responded angrily. “And it’s not as though I haven’t tried to have other children. But my father insists on a Fae child and I can’t bed another Fae because I’m already married. If I have a child with any other species I run the risk of a half-breed like the son I have. Human/fae interrelations don’t seem to result in children unless they are true mates.”
“I imagine divorce is frowned on too,” Simon said, with a grin. “Here’s a novel idea. Try having sex with your wife and see what happens then. I take it you are bonded to her.”
“She won’t have me.” His cuffs clinked as Aeron tried to rub his head and he scowled at them and then at Ra. “She heard about Seth. She refuses to be treated like a brood mare and doesn’t want anything to do with a man who’d give his child away.”
“Sounds like someone I’d like to meet,” Ra said. “But that still doesn’t explain why you thought you had a right to our unborn child.”
“I need an heir.” The sullenness was back in Aeron’s tone. “My father won’t step down until I have one in place. Seth is carrying three children; one of them pure fae. For goodness sake, you don’t need three
of them and the fae child won’t want for anything. He or she will have the best schooling, the most intensive training in magic and will be treated like royalty wherever he goes. Don’t you want that for your child?”
“What about love, care, and family?” Ra’s temper had gone from slow boil to volcanic status. “Growing up with siblings and parents who love them? You showed your parental abilities when you left Seth under a damn tree. What makes you think I’d let you within a mile of my children.”
“I can give you money,” Aeron’s eyes narrowed. “Your other two children will be able to have anything they ever wanted. You’d never have to work again. You and your band of louts,” he eyed the silent men around him scornfully, “could live in luxury for the rest of your lives. That’s a pretty fair trade, don’t you say?”
“Fucking shoot him, Charles. My tiger wants to rip his throat out so bad I can taste it and that might upset Seth,” Ra spat. “This asshole’s not going to stop, and I’m not having Seth watching over his shoulder every five minutes wondering when one of our kids might be stolen. As if any father worth the name would ever trade a child. You disgust me.”
“What about trading the child so Seth can live?” Aeron asked, a sly quirk in his mouth.
“You’re threatening my mate now?” Ra roared. Aeron backed up as best he could in the chair.
“Not me. His magic,” Aeron said quickly. “I bound his magic when he was born so he could live as a shifter. If it’s not unbound before Seth goes into labor, he will die giving birth.”
“Explain yourself.” Ra’s teeth dropped and his words came out mumbled, but Aeron continued.
“A fae birth happens through magic. It’s part of being the spark I told you about.”
“Seth’s having surgery to give birth. Magic has nothing to do with it.”
“It doesn’t make any difference. When any fae child is born to a non-magical parent, another fae has to be in attendance to temper the magical surge that comes from the child as a result of the birth. That’s why I stayed with Diane until Seth was born. Even half fae, he damn near killed his mother.”
“And Seth’s own magic could counter that if you hadn’t bound it when he was born?” Ra wanted to be sure he had his facts straight before he killed the arrogant asshole.
Aeron nodded. “If you allow me to unbind his magic then he won’t suffer any harm. I doubt you want me near him when he gives birth.”
Ra snorted. You’ve got that right. “Will this unbinding hurt Seth or the children?”
“No, it’s perfectly harmless.” Aeron rattled his chains. “Of course, you’ll have to take these magic suppressors off me first.”
“Don’t do it, Ra,” Simon warned. “I don’t trust this guy as far as I can throw him.”
Torn, Ra looked at his father-in-law. “What do you think I should do?”
“Seth wouldn’t want you to give up one of your precious children just to save his life.” The lines on Charles’s face made him look ten years older. “He won’t go for it, and if he won’t you can’t either.”
Ra wanted to run into their bedroom, lock the door and hold Seth close as if that alone could save his mate from a magical backlash. But he knew it wouldn’t. Charles was right. Seth was exactly the type of person who would give up his own life to save his children. No matter how the thought shredded his insides, he wouldn’t betray his mate in that way. “No deal,” he said, though the words tasted like ash. “You ain’t leaving here alive. I might not be able to protect my precious mate, but with his dying breath I know my Seth will want our children protected and while you’re still breathing none of them will be safe.”
“If you kill me, my father will know where my spark ended. He’ll crucify you all.” Aeron looked around wildly, perhaps finally realizing he’d made a colossal mistake.
“Thanks for letting us know,” Simon said. “Go and be with Seth, Ra. We’ll make sure this guy’s death doesn’t come back to haunt the town.”
“Make sure you’re back in time for the wedding,” Ra said, trusting his friends to ensure Aeron’s death would always remain a mystery.
“You’re still going through with it, even after knowing….” Rocky trailed off.
“No one and I mean no one in this room are to tell Seth what went on here today,” Ra glared. “Seth and I are getting married, we’re going to prepare for the babies and we’re all going to squeeze as much fun and laughter into my precious mate’s life before the birth. Is that understood? He is not to know.”
“Doc Farriday should know,” Deputy Joe, who’d been silent up to now, spoke up. “There might be something he can do to help if he’s been warned about it.”
“You’re right,” Ra nodded. “I’ll call him personally. But no one else, do you understand? Lucien, you can tell Liam, but you are to swear him to secrecy. I don’t want anyone else outside of this house knowing what went on here today.” He looked at Charles.
“I can’t tell Ella,” Charles said, tears in his eyes. “This will devastate her.”
“You just make sure she’s wearing her prettiest frock at our wedding,” Ra said gently patting the older man on the shoulder. “Now if you don’t mind, I have a call to make and then a mate to appease. Brutus, go with Simon. Protect his back.” Brutus glared at him. Yeah, Ra knew the last comment was unnecessary, but he didn’t apologize. He needed five minutes. Five minutes to pull his head together.
“You can’t just kill me,” Aeron protested as Ra started to leave the room. “I can save Seth. All you have to do is give up one little baby you don’t even know.”
Ra twisted around and the punch he threw cracked the bones in Aeron’s jaw. “Your price is too high, asshole.”
But as he strode out of the room, Ra cursed his mate’s selfless nature. If Seth had been any less caring, any less loving than he was, then maybe he’d consider the trade. Ra recalled the soft look on his mate’s face when he showed him the scan pictures; how his face lit up feeling the babies move in his belly for the first time and angrily brushed his tears away. He’d talk to Farriday; see if there was another fae in town. Seth wasn’t dead yet and Ra was determined he’d be looking for a solution until Seth’s last breath.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Seth rolled and stretched, glancing over his shoulder, already knowing what he’d see. “You’re watching me sleep again,” he said playfully. “Worried I’ll run off before the service today?”
The smile was slower to reach Ra’s eyes than he’d like, but Seth put that down to dealing with his sperm donor. Ra never said exactly what happened to the Fae that day; fobbing him off gently, simply saying Seth wouldn’t want to know. Seth wasn’t stupid. Ra was a predator and the Fae threatened his mate and children. Brutus’s and Simon’s absences simply confirmed what he already suspected. Seth hated his mate’s haunted expression; one he’d caught often over the past two days, but he cheered himself with the knowledge his mate didn’t take a life lightly.
“No one will be here until lunchtime,” he said, snuggling into Ra’s warmth, smiling as Ra’s cock twitched then lengthened against his leg. Ra hadn’t been in the mood for sexy fun times since the despicable Fae’s visit, but it was their wedding day and Seth had every intention of it being consummated.
“I should get you breakfast,” Ra suggested. “It’s going to be a long day and you need your rest.”
Seth frowned, his head down so Ra couldn’t see. Looks like my mate needs a bit of a push. Ra’s skin was smooth beneath his fingers, his muscles twitching as Seth’s hand found its target. Ra groaned as Seth gripped his shaft, but the man pulled away and Seth’s heart broke a little in response.
“Am I getting too fat for you, or something?” he demanded, lifting his head and seeing the conflict in Ra’s eyes. “You know this won’t hurt the baby, Farriday said so yesterday.”
“Only because you asked him outright,” Ra chuckled. “You look as sexy as ever. You know you do. I just don’t want you getting over tired before
the guests arrive. Please, sweet one, let me look after your other needs first and we can do this later.”
Seth’s stomach took that moment to rumble loudly and he sighed. “All right, I’ll let it go just this once, but if my marriage isn’t consummated tonight, then we’re divorcing tomorrow.” He reached up and pecked Ra lightly on the lips. “Can you help me get out of bed? It’s wonderfully soft, but I’m not as graceful as I used to be.”
“You are beautiful and sexy and I love you more than anything in this world,” Ra said seriously, deepening their kiss and igniting Seth’s arousal like a match.
“Ooh, don’t stop,” he grumbled when Ra pulled away.
“Later?” The quirk in Ra’s eyebrows accentuated his mate’s stunning looks, but Seth acknowledged his bladder and stomach were making their needs known.
“You’d better put out,” He muttered as Ra helped him get off the bed. “With a belly like this, I could get a complex if I don’t get some cock soon.”
“There’s more to our love than sex,” Ra reminded him gently and Seth was left to ponder that statement as Ra left him in the bathroom.
*****
“I can’t do this,” Ra whispered as he dragged Simon into the utility room. The wedding was due to start in thirty minutes and Seth’s family was already waiting in the garden. Simon and Brutus got back the night before and Simon agreed to be his best man. Right now, Ra needed some best man advice.
“Get married?” Simon whispered back. “Haven’t you left it a bit late to back out now? What are you going to tell Seth?”
“Not the wedding, no. I can’t wait to be Seth’s husband. But I can’t keep lying to him about the things that fucking fae said.”
Simon wrinkled his forehead. “I didn’t think you were lying. You just weren’t saying anything.”
“Semantics,” Ra hissed. “I’m keeping shit from him and that’s no better than when he did it to me with the town meeting. Seth suspects something’s wrong as it is, but he thinks it’s about the wedding. He’s going to know it’s not after today.”