“We’re all good.” He dropped a kiss on her head and inhaled her scent. She was safe. Not that Kassia had ever been in any real danger. This was about family. Matis’s revenge had been solely aimed at robbing Beck of a brother.
“How the hell did Matis kidnap you?” Mac turned his attention on Hex who was still sitting on the ground. With a pale face and a cut on his forehead, he didn’t look great.
“I was driving home. There was a van parked on the side of the road with its hood up. A woman stepped out and flagged me down and asked if I could help her. She said she was traveling with her kid. Next thing I knew he hit me.” Hex rubbed the back of his head. “I hit the ground and the lights went out.”
“You should get Hex to the hospital,” Brad recommended. “Avery can come and get your statement after the doctor has seen you.” He walked forward and looked down at Matis lying on the ground. “This guy might need a doctor, too.”
“I hit him pretty hard in the head,” Beck admitted. “But I think he’s okay.”
“Oh, he’ll be fine,” Brad assured him. “I just need to make sure I’ve followed the rules. Then I can haul his ass down to my office and get to the bottom of all this. I’m sure his female accomplice isn’t too far away.”
“He thinks I’m responsible for his brother winding up in jail. I expect the woman you’re looking for is his sister,” Beck explained. He looked up at his own brothers. “I suppose I can understand how he feels since I’d go crazy if the same thing had happened to Hex or Mac.”
“But it wasn’t your fault.” Brad turned around and studied Beck for a moment. Was he having doubts about Beck’s version of events?
“No, it wasn’t my fault. I wasn’t there. I’d seen Lim as he left our small camp. He said he was going off to do some thinking. He couldn’t see a way through this. He needed to be with his mate but that was impossible because she was married.” Beck’s arms tightened around Kassia. He couldn’t bear to imagine how he’d feel faced with those circumstances. “I should have known he wasn’t going to think but to act.”
“Violence is never the answer,” Mac replied. “Lim should have had patience and worked through it.”
“Her husband wouldn’t let her leave,” Beck replied.
Mac looked him squarely in the eye. “Then he should have found another way. A way that didn’t end up with him in prison.”
Beck let out a long breath. He didn’t have an answer for what happened to Lim. He couldn’t see why fate would match a shifter to a person who was already married. Perhaps it was just so that Lim could rescue his mate. Things could have turned out differently. Lim’s mate could have left and gotten a divorce.
“Okay, our friend here is stirring,” Brad said. “You should all go and leave me and Avery to do our job.”
“I’d like to talk to him,” Beck announced. “Mac, would you take Hex to the hospital?”
“Oh, no, we’re staying right here. When we leave, we all leave together,” Hex told Beck.
“Okay. Five minutes, Beck.” Brad and the others backed away but didn’t leave the barn.
“I’ll wait over there.” Kassia cupped his face in her hands and kissed his lips. “You did it, you kept control.”
“I did.” He looked inside himself. We did.
I never doubted we would, his bear replied.
“Hey, Matis.” Beck crouched down by the side of the man he’d knocked out. “It is Matis, isn’t it? Lim showed me a photo of you and him when he graduated.”
Matis opened his eyes and blinked before he groaned and put his hand to his head. “I thought you were going to kill me.”
“No. I’ve seen what happens when someone loses control. I don’t ever want to see that again,” Beck admitted.
“I thought you said you weren’t there,” Matis spat as he sat up and looked at Beck with such anger and loathing Beck’s gut tensed. “In court you said you weren’t there. You could have stopped Lim!”
“I wasn’t there. Not when Lim…lost control.” He rocked back and forth on his heels as he remembered seeing the dead body. He’d never seen a dead man before. “I got there just after it had happened.”
“I blame you!” Matis accused. “It was your fault Lim lost control.”
“My fault?” Beck reeled in shock. “How?”
“You were his friend. You should have seen how angry he was. You should have calmed him down or taken him away. If you’d been a good friend, if you’d told him to think with his head and not with his heart. To go slowly and not overreact.” Matis sobbed as he spoke.
“This isn’t on me,” Beck placed his hand on Matis’s shoulder. “And it’s not on you either.”
Matis shook his head as tears spilled down his cheeks. “If Lim hadn’t been running from his family, from the life I tried to force him into, then this would never have happened. If I’d listened more, if I’d realized I was pushing him away then he might have stayed.”
“It’s not your fault,” Beck said gently. “Sometimes there is no right thing to say. Lim didn’t know what he wanted. He wasn’t running from you or the rest of your family. He was hoping that by walking the mountains, by finding quiet in his head, he might be able to see his future. Never once did he tell me he was there because he wanted to escape.”
“We thought…I thought I’d driven him away,” Matis said bitterly.
“No. That’s not what he told me. He said it was just something he needed to do. And even if he was running from you and his life, it didn’t excuse what happened. You never made him lose control. That was on him.” Beck let out a long sigh. “Maybe we both need to remember that.”
“You do feel guilty.” Matis locked eyes with Beck.
“I do. Even though I know it’s misplaced guilt.” He sat down on the ground, his strength ebbing as the adrenaline left his body. “I’ve relived that day over and over again in my head. I’ve wondered if there was something, anything, I could have said or done differently.”
“And was there?” Matis asked hopefully.
“No, because I don’t think even Lim had any idea of what he was capable of. It just happened, he just snapped.” Beck clicked his fingers. “Like that.”
“I just wish I’d been there for him and been able to talk to him and calm him,” Matis said sadly.
“I honestly don’t think you could have changed what happened.” Beck placed his hand on his heart. “I promise you.”
He feels guilt, Beck’s bear said. He feels guilty that he wasn’t there for his brother when he needed him.
Beck half-turned and looked at his two brothers and his mate who was standing between them. If something terrible had happened to his brothers, he’d feel the same guilt.
As Mac must have felt guilt when we left, his bear replied.
You’re right. And I intend to make it right between us.
“Okay, time to go,” Brad approached them with a pair of handcuffs. “Make sure Avery gets your statement.”
“I will.” Beck got up, he didn’t ask what would happen to Matis. Because whatever it was, it would never be as bad as seeing your brother in jail for murder.
Chapter Twenty-Two – Kassia
“Hex.” Martha ran to her mate and flung her arms around his neck and kissed his lips before pulling back and saying, “Sorry. Did I hurt you?”
“No, I’m fine. Nothing a nice hot shower and something to eat won’t fix.” Hex accepted his mate’s help as he slumped down in one of the chairs around the table. Kassia suspected he didn’t really need help, but Martha needed to spoil him.
“And how are you?” Sue asked Beck as he trailed in behind everyone else. Since the attack, Beck’s mood had been melancholy, it was as if Kassia had lost a part of him. Or perhaps he’d lost a part of himself.
“I’m okay.” Beck sniffed loudly and straightened his back. “I’d just like to apologize for bringing this all down on you.”
“It’s not your fault,” Mac said quickly.
“Sure, it is.
If I hadn’t gotten this idea in my head that I was living in your shadow, I’d never have left town and I’d never have met Lim.” The words tumbled out of Beck’s mouth like a stream tumbled over rocks and boulders as it made its way down the mountain.
Kassia’s heart ached for him. She’d known the same pain and guilt when she thought the messages were connected to her and Travis’s family. “No one blames you,” she said quietly.
Beck didn’t look at Mac. So that was the problem. A problem she couldn’t solve. But a problem that would shadow their lives if it wasn’t resolved now.
“I don’t blame you for leaving,” Mac blurted out. “I never did. I always knew how you felt about me and the sawmill. I just never knew how to handle it.”
“We’re good, Mac. I let things build up inside the last few years.” He reached for Kassia and she went for him. “It wasn’t until I met Kassia that I finally realized it wasn’t this place or you that was the problem. The reason I didn’t feel fulfilled is that I was missing a mate. Not a career.”
Mac’s bottom lip quivered but then he took a breath and his face became a perfect mask. “I’m pleased for you, Beck. You and Hex.” He half-turned to look at his brother who was seated at the kitchen table next to Martha. “Family is the most important thing.”
“You taught us that, Mac.” Hex held onto Martha’s hand. “And we’ll teach our children…our child…the same.”
“So, it’s official?” Sue put her hands to her face in shock. “I’m going to be a grandma?”
“You are.” Martha leaned into Hex and he kissed her cheek.
“We could not be happier.” Hex grinned, the color had returned to his cheeks and the cut above his eyes wasn’t as bad as it looked.
“So, you didn’t go to town for ice cream?” Mac suddenly asked.
“No, I went for a pregnancy test.” Hex looked a little sheepish. “Good thing it wasn’t ice cream since it would have melted all over the truck’s upholstery while I was being kidnapped.”
“And that would have been unforgivable,” Martha said in mock shock.
“Hey, we’re having a baby, you’d better get used to it,” Hex warned her. “Just think of all those sticky fingerprints over everything.”
“I can’t wait.” Tears misted Martha’s eyes and she turned to Hex and nestled against him. “I’m just so glad you’re safe.”
“You can’t get rid of me that easily.” Hex hugged his mate and kissed the top of her head.
“It’s going to be a busy time. As soon as you two are married, we can go on our cruise and be back before the baby is born,” Hilda announced as she beamed at her daughter and her mate.
“What about a double wedding?” Beck suggested.
“A what now?” Kassia asked, her cheeks flaming red as all eyes turned to her.
“I don’t have a ring yet. But…” Beck looked down at the floor before he dropped down on one knee. “Kassia, will you marry me?”
Her heart beat so loudly she thought everyone in the room would hear it. Kassia had been asked this question before. She’d said yes once before and it had turned out horribly. However, she knew Beck would never hurt her or use her. They were meant to be together. And for Beck that truly did mean forever.
“Say yes,” Aunt Betsy whispered loudly.
Kassia’s face cracked a smile. “Yes, a thousand times yes.”
Beck’s relief was palpable. He got to his feet and wrapped his arms around her waist, lifting her up into the air. As he kissed her mouth, the kitchen exploded into a loud cheer.
As Beck let her back down to earth, she looked around at all their happy faces. She wasn’t just marrying Beck, she was getting a whole family to go along with him.
“I think this is the best day of my life,” Beck said happily.
“Me, too,” Hex said. “Even though I’ve been kidnapped and beaten up.”
Mac edged toward the door. “I have some work to catch up on.”
“Is there anything I can help you with?” Beck asked as he let go of Kassia’s hand and went to his brother.
“No, you stay here and rest. You look like crap, you’re lucky Kassia can see past that.” Mac wagged his finger at his brother. “And don’t look at me like that. I don’t need your pity.”
“It’s not pity,” Beck said gruffly. “I just want you to know how grateful I am to you. How grateful we all are.”
“Oh, don’t do that.” Mac waved his brother away.
“You’re not the boss of me.” Beck grinned. “Well, you are but that’s not the point.” Beck inhaled deeply and then said, “But if it wasn’t for you buying the sawmill and making a life for us all here, we would never have met our mates. So, I want to say thanks.” Beck held out his arms and Mac stiffened.
“You want a hug?” Mac’s surprise showed on his face and his body tensed at the awkwardness of the situation.
“Yeah, a hug.” Hex pushed himself out of his seat and went to his brothers.
“You guys have gotten weird since you found your mates,” Mac complained as the three brothers hugged.
“Yeah, and just wait until it’s your turn,” Beck told him.
“I’m not holding my breath,” Mac replied.
“It’ll happen for you,” Hex told him. But none of them knew when, or if, Mac would ever find his mate. And Mac knew it.
“Okay, get off me now, I have work to do.” Mac turned abruptly and left the kitchen.
“If I had one wish it would be for Mac to find his mate,” Sue said sadly.
“Yeah.” Beck rubbed his hand over his face as he crossed the room to Kassia. “Me, too.”
“It’ll happen for him,” Kassia assured Beck.
“We don’t know that,” Sue answered. “But we can make sure he’s involved in all the arrangements for the wedding and I know he’ll be the best uncle ever.”
“Hey,” Beck complained.
“You’ll have your own kids to deal with,” Sue replied hopefully.
“I hope so.” Beck glanced at Kassia. “There’s so much we haven’t discussed.”
“Oh, well, I love children and as long as I’m not too old, I would love to have a handful of kids running around.” Kassia tugged at Beck’s hand and he looked at her questioningly.
“Oh.” His eyes widened. “Can we talk about the wedding and stuff later?”
“That’s if you want a double wedding?” Kassia asked Martha. “I don’t want to gate-crash yours.”
“A double wedding would be wonderful. Then the oldies can go on their cruise and be back before the newborns arrive.” Martha laughed as her mom gasped. “I was joking, you are young at heart and I love you. I love all of you.” She promptly burst into tears. “I’m going to have a baby.”
“You are.” Hilda and Sue crowded around Martha and Hex, and Beck took the opportunity for Kassia and him to slip out of the kitchen and head to his room.
“We should give them some privacy,” Beck opened his bedroom door and led her inside.
“Good idea, I’m so happy for them.” Kassia couldn’t wait until it was their turn to tell the family they were pregnant. She just prayed she would be blessed with children of her own. If not, she’d have to talk to Beck about adoption because she couldn’t bear the idea of them not raising a family together.
“I think we should start making babies now,” Beck suggested.
“Right now?” Kassia shivered in anticipation.
“Right this minute.” He gave her a lopsided grin. “I have showered.”
“I know.” She smiled, her mouth curling up at the corners as she teased him. “I thought you might at least put a ring on my finger first.”
“I could. If you want me to, I could walk out of the door right now and search until I find the perfect ring for my perfect mate.” He flopped down on the bed. “Or I could stay here with you.” He spread out his right arm and ran it over the bedspread.
“Hmm.” She tapped her chin with her index finger. “Let me think about t
hat.”
He lifted his head off the bed and watched her as she walked around to the window and looked out. “I suppose you did propose.”
“I did.” He rolled over onto his stomach and rested his chin on his elbow.
“And it is cold outside.” She didn’t look at Beck as she stared out at the mountain silhouetted against the night sky. The moon was high in the sky, reflecting off the ice and snow that had yet to thaw. It was beautiful and messy, much like life.
“It’s very cold outside. And very warm right here.” He slid off the bed and came to her, standing so close behind her, she could feel the heat of his body through the fabric of her clothes.
“And I don’t suppose there are any jewelry stores open at this time.” Kassia leaned back onto his shoulder and rested her head against him.
“Not any decent ones and I want to pick out the best ring for you.” He lowered his head and pressed his lips to her cheek. “It’s got to be perfect since you are going to wear it for the rest of your life.”
Kassia could almost feel the ring on her finger, the weight of it different than the one Travis gave her because her relationship with Beck was different. So very different. “I can’t wait to marry you.”
“Are you sure you’re okay with a joint wedding?” Beck asked as he nuzzled her neck and his hand slid beneath her top and stroked the undercurve of her breasts through the silky fabric of her bra.
“Absolutely.” She lifted her head off his shoulder. “As long as you are.”
“Yes. It’s a great idea. Otherwise, I’d feel as if we’d have to push our wedding back a little. I’m not sure how everyone would feel having to come to two weddings so close. And then there’s the cruise. My mom is so excited to finally go out and see the world, I don’t want to make her delay her vacation.”
“Especially since Hilda and Sue will want to get back in plenty of time for the baby.” Kassia tilted her head back further and then pressed her lips to Beck’s jawline. “Speaking of babies.”
“Want to go make one?” Beck stepped backward, his arms around Kassia’s waist as he guided her toward the bed.
“Making babies is something I’ll never get tired of.” They stopped by the side of the bed and she gripped the edge of her top and pulled it up over her head. Beck unclasped her bra and as her breasts spilled out, he captured each in his hands, his thumbs rubbing over her erect nipples.
Beck (Winter - Shifter Seasons Book 2) Page 17