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After the intense evening they had last night, no one was in the mood for the big fireworks show but Rudy still offered to take the girls to see them. They declined and spent a relatively pleasant evening before the TV.
Nick and Clara went home the next morning, promising to be back on Friday. Before they left, Nick pulled Rudy aside.
“How are you holding up, son?”
“Okay. Well, as okay as I can under the circumstances.”
Nick pulled Rudy in for a strong hug. “Call me. Anytime, anywhere. Or if things get to be too much and you need a break, just pop in,” he said quietly into Rudy’s ear. Nick had an area of his office roped off, so Rudy could blink in whenever he wanted to. Everyone thought it was because of a valuable painting on the wall but Rudy, Nick and Clay all knew better.
“Thank you,” Rudy whispered.
Nick stepped back. “As much as your brothers, Halley, Juno and Dixon want to see the boys, I told them to save it ’til next week.”
“Thanks, Grandfather. They’ve each called already, and I told them how much I appreciated their baby gifts.”
“I’m glad.”
After they left, things settled into a routine over the days leading up to the funeral, with Clay, Rudy and Jackson sharing the night time feedings with Beth and Laura lending a hand during the day. Rudy noticed that something had changed between Clay and Jackson since the girl’s amazing revelation. They seemed more relaxed around each other and actually spoke civilly to one another. Gone were the short single words barked between them that passed for conversation.
The funeral was tomorrow, and Rudy was once more in his office on the phone. He confirmed arrangements with Allie and the home. Jackson would remain with the kids. He didn’t anticipate any problems and the girls sweetly promised they would help with the boys, their new brothers.
His phone rang, Matt’s name appearing on the screen. With an overwhelming sense of déjà vu, Rudy answered it.
“Rudy?”
“Hey, Matt. You’ve got great timing, I just got off the phone with Allie.”
“That’s nice.” He sounded distracted. “It’s odd question time again. The forensics tech couldn’t boot up Patrick’s computer, so he opened it and discovered that the hard drive was missing.”
“Why would someone steal his hard drive? First his work computer goes for a walk, and now, Patrick’s home computer is gutted? That is way too fishy. And before you ask, no, neither Clay or I have been to the house all week.” He hesitated. “We couldn’t, it’s too soon.”
“I understand. Fishy, that’s one way of putting it. Their deaths are now being labeled premeditated murder. We never recovered his phone either. Patrick must have known something or gotten involved in something—”
“Patrick was not involved in anything shady, he wasn’t the type.”
“I know. I just wish that the neighbor had seen the faces of their assailants and not just their backs.” Matt sighed. “You’re right about one thing. There’s no reason to take Patrick’s work computer and the home computer’s drive unless there was something on both of them that the killers feared would incriminate them.”
“Shit.” A thought suddenly occurred to Rudy. “Matt, should I be worried about the kids?”
“At this point in time, I would say no. There is no indication that they would go after you, Clay, or the girls.” Matt paused. “That being said, if you think you are being followed, or if there is any suspicious activity around the house, call me. Immediately.”
Rudy swallowed. He’d lived in fear for most of his life from his half-brothers who had hated him with a vengeance for being a living reminder of their father’s infidelity. They had abused him at every opportunity and he’d learned to jump at shadows. Donny, the oldest had nearly succeeded in killing him. Only the Mate Bond with Clay had saved his life—barely. Now Donny, along with Louis and Daniel were languishing in a shifter prison. The upshot of the entire horrible time, besides mating Clay, was reconciling with three of his half-brothers, Halley, Juno, and Dixon. He certainly never expected to have to watch his back once more.
“Rudy?”
“I’m sorry, I got distracted. Did you say something?”
“Yes. I said do you want to let Clay know or would you rather I tell him?”
“I’ll tell him, but could you keep it quiet until after the funeral? I’m worried about him. He’s been under so much stress. This is just going to make it worse. After what happened on Monday, he seemed more settled but the closer the funeral gets, the worse he’s becoming. I finally managed to convince him to spend more some time with the kids. They are playing in the yard with the grandparents in shifted form. Later, they are going to the Predator Park for a nice long run.”
“That sounds good, but he needs to know, Rudy. Clay may be an engineer, but he was trained as a scout in the military. He can help keep you all safe especially with his enhanced predator abilities. Don’t,” he interrupted Rudy’s protest. “I know as a reindeer your senses are superior to many prey animals but when it comes down to it, a snow leopard is far more dangerous than a reindeer. And you’ve got Frost. The kind of training the two of them received cannot be forgotten, it’s ingrained into them, a part of them. Please, Rudy.”
“All right,” he said quietly. “I’ll tell him right after the celebration of Patrick and Clarice’s lives tomorrow. Okay?”
“Okay. I’ll see you tomorrow, then. Hang in there. Bye, Rudy.”
“Bye, Matt.”
Rudy hung up, put his phone down on his desk and leaned back in his chair. He stared up at the ceiling without actually seeing it. He’d spent so much time contemplating the tiles above his head when he was deep in thought that Clay had threatened to put a picture or a painting up there, so he’d have something to look at.
A soft knock interrupted his musing. “Come in.”
The door slowly opened and Jillian peered in at him.
Rudy sat up. “Hi, sweetie. What’s up?”
Tentatively, Jillian stepped into his office, closing the door gently but firmly behind her like she’d been taught. “I’m sorry to bother you, Uncle Rudy, but um...”
Rudy waited a moment as she fidgeted before telling her, “Come here, Jillybean.” He patted his lap and Jillian eagerly came to him. He lifted her onto his knees and she settled her head on his chest. Rudy wrapped his arms securely around her and held her snug against him. She had always been the sensitive one, unlike her more independent sisters.
“Is that better?” he asked her.
“Yes.” She sighed. “I miss Mommy and Daddy.”
Rudy rested his cheek against her head. “I know, Jillybean. I miss them too.”
“Daddy gave the best hugs. You give really good hugs too, Uncle Rudy.”
“Thanks, sweetie.”
After a few more minutes of silent cuddling, Jillian softly asked him, “Why don’t you come with us to the Pretator Park?”
“Predator Park,” he gently corrected her. “I can’t honey. I’m not a predator. I’m considered prey because in my shifted form, I eat green stuff like grass. Predators eat meat. Even though I’m pretty good at taking care of myself, it would still be too dangerous for me to go there.”
She considered his words for a moment before giving him a determined look. “I could take care of you, Uncle Rudy. I’m a fierce jungle cat. I’d make sure no one would eat you.”
Rudy resisted the urge to chuckle at the daring and courageous little girl. “I’m sure you could, my brave little leopard. I just don’t want you to have to. You should have fun, not be looking after me.”
“Could we go the other park then? The one with the pool?”
“We’d have to check with the others and see what they say, but if you really want to go, I am sure we can take you.”
Jillian reached up and kissed Rudy on his cheek before sliding down off his lap. “Thanks, Uncle Rudy. I love you.”
He sat there stunned as the precious child left his office, again closing the door securely behind her. That was the first time she had said ‘I love you’ to anyone other than her mother and father. And it had been to him. He brushed the spot on his cheek, where she had kissed him, with his fingertips.
“I love you too, Jillian,” he said to the empty room.
They did end up going to the Mixed Mating Park because April had insisted that they were a family and families stayed together. After spending time in the pool and splash play area, they all decided that it was a nice clear night for a run. The girls discovered that Rudy could be very fast when he really opened up. The only one who could keep up with him was Clay and as usual they loved how his bright glowing nose lit up the night.
Arriving home with three exhausted children, Rudy held the door open, smiling fondly at their sleeping forms as Clay, Andrew and Brad brought them into the house one by one.
“How were the boys?” Rudy asked Jackson after he tucked Jillian in and kissed her forehead.
Jackson smiled. “Good as gold. Collin did a partial shift in his sleep. He’s definitely a snow leopard. The fur which appeared on his body was white with black markings.”
“Nice. Not that I care what they are. No shifting from Patrick yet?”
“Nope.”
Clay stood in the doorway to the nursery, watching the boys sleep. “Snow leopard, huh?”
Rudy bumped his shoulder. “Don’t sound so smug.”
Clay bumped him back. “I’m going to go take a shower. Coming?” He winked at Rudy.
Resisting the urge to blush, Rudy nodded. “I’ll be there in a minute. I’ve got to talk to Jackson real quick about direct depositing his salary.”
Clay leaned in, giving Rudy a thorough kiss before gently biting his bottom lip. “Don’t be too long,” he growled.
“Uh-huh.” Rudy was lucky he was able to make any sound at all since every drop of his blood headed south with that hot kiss, effectively melting his brain cells.
“Still got it.” Clay grinned, heading towards their bedroom with a swagger.
Jackson pointedly cleared his throat, forcing Rudy to shake his head to chase away the spell Clay had placed him under.
He cast a lingering glance Clay’s way before focusing on Jackson. “Come into my office for a second, please.”
After Rudy closed the door behind them, he turned to face Jackson, leaning his back against the wood. “Thanks for keeping quiet.”
Jackson shrugged, perching on the edge of Rudy’s desk. “Since we had already sorted out my salary and stuff, I had a feeling it was important. And something you didn’t want Clay to know.”
Rudy sighed. “I need you to be extra vigilant, on the lookout for any suspicious activity.”
Those words made Jackson straighten up. “I am always extra vigilant.”
“I get that, but you already know how the girls’ parents were killed, murdered, outside their own home. Well, I spoke to Matt today. That’s my PA Allie’s husband. He’s a detective. Anyway, he told me that Patrick’s computer was stolen from his office at his work and now they’ve discovered the hard drive gone from his home computer.”
Jackson nodded. “So it wasn’t a random act of violence. They or rather, he, was targeted.”
“Yes,” Rudy agreed. “Matt doesn’t think we should be worried, but I can’t help it.”
“Understandable, but why not tell Clay? He should know about the possibility of a threat against the kids or even to the two of you.”
“I can’t tell him yet. He is trying so hard to act normal when I know the loss of his twin and her husband is eating away at him. The closer the funeral gets, the worse he feels. In a weird way, I think he blames himself...like if he had only hung around the house longer. This, on top of it all...”
“Okay, I get that. But you really need to tell him. He’s got the training, but he can’t use it if he doesn’t know there is a problem.”
“I was going to tell him tomorrow after the funeral,” Rudy admitted. “Matt is pressuring me to tell him too. But since you have that same or similar training, I figured it would be a good idea if at least you knew.”
“Yes, it is. I should know. There are differences when someone is under a direct threat versus the normal day to day dangers of this world. I’ll be in bodyguard mode from now on and do my utmost best to keep the kids and you safe.”
“Well said, and thank you, Jackson.” Rudy pulled the man into a hug. “Don’t worry about me, just the kids. I can take care of myself.”
He could tell from the expression on his face that he had surprised the hell out of Jackson with the hug. After knowing him for a week, Rudy had a pretty good idea of the true character of the man. Rudy saw Jackson and him becoming good friends. In fact, that friendship had already begun to grow strong between them.
“I’m waiting.”
Clay’s voice echoed in Rudy’s mind and he grinned. “Clay is calling,” he told Jackson, releasing the man.
They left Rudy’s office going in opposite directions. Rudy entered his bedroom, closing and locking the door. The sight that greeted him when he turned to face the bed, instantly heated his blood. His cock went from to flaccid to granite hard so fast he had to grip the wall to keep himself upright.
Clay lay in naked splendor on their bed, his legs outstretched, his magnificent body on full display. He was gently stroking his cock with one hand while playing with his balls with the other. His eyes were closed and his head arched back, he was obviously enjoying what he was doing to himself.
Rudy heard a seam rip as he almost tore the shirt from his body in his haste to get naked. One of Clay’s eyelids partially raised, his amber eye fixed on Rudy. Rudy stopped his hasty undressing. He straightened, reached for his zipper and with agonizing slowness slid the tab down one ratchet at a time. He rolled his abdomen and hips, running his other hand from his chest down his abs in a move he’d seen in a movie about sexy male strippers.
Both of Clay’s eyes were wide now, intently watching every move Rudy made. Rudy opened the flaps on his pants. Circling his hips, he faced away from Clay, giving him a heated look over his shoulder as he lowered his pants below his ass then let them fall to the floor.
Clad only in his navy briefs, Rudy brought his hands up over his head and did a sensuous full body undulation and shimmy, aiming his ass towards the bed, and his mate, as he stepped out of his pants. He heard Clay groan as he bent his knees slightly, cupped his ass and thrust up. Moments later, a hard body pressed against his back and Clay’s large hands were exploring his front from abdomen to neck.
Swaying slightly, Rudy rubbed his cloth-covered butt against the hard rod behind him. He was tempting the beast and was going to pay for it in a very delicious way. Clay growled, biting down on the side of his neck over Rudy’s mating mark. It wasn’t hard enough to break skin, but it did ramp up Rudy’s arousal and he moaned, grinding harder. The front of his briefs was steadily becoming soaked with his pre-cum.
Clay extended the claws on one hand and shredded Rudy’s briefs, yanking the tatters of cloth off his body. Rudy shivered as Clay’s heated erection branded his backside. He was turned and his upper body was pushed onto the bed while he still stood, his ass in the air for Clay’s pleasure—and his.
Lube was quickly inserted into his hole along with one of Clay’s fingers. “Now, Clay. I need to feel you.”
But Clay wouldn’t be rushed. One finger became two, and then three, scissoring, stretching him. Rudy rode Clay’s fingers as they stimulated the nerves in his channel and then Clay massaged his prostate. Rudy had to bite the comforter to muffle his yell. Clay’s fingers were suddenly replaced by the head of his cock entering him, filling him. He relaxed and sighed as Clay thrust home in one smooth move. They had an amazing mental connection that Rudy had never dreamed could exist but by adding in this physical joining... it was everything.
The bond was wide open between them. Heart, body, mind, and soul entwined until Rudy couldn’t tell where he left off and Clay began.
That was probably the best thing about the bond, in Rudy’s opinion. Their emotions and the sensations they were each feeling created a feedback loop. Clay could feel every nerve in Rudy’s channel including his prostate being massaged as Clay pounded into him, just like Rudy could feel Clay’s cock surrounded by silken pressure and heat. It was intense and it felt like this each and every time they made love. Drowning in sensation, Rudy never wanted it to end.
Over and over, Clay drove into him. Gripping him by the hips and pegging his prostate every time until Rudy thought he was going to fly apart. His cock was getting wonderful friction from the sheet beneath him as he was moved with the force of Clay’s lovemaking. Leaning forward, Clay blanketed Rudy’s body. Clay’s arm was beside his face and he turned and bit into Clay’s forearm with his tiny canines. Clay’s much larger canines pierced his mate mark and Rudy screamed into the flesh of Clay’s arm trying not to be heard as he came and came, the pleasure indescribable, his cock untouched.
Heat filled his insides as Clay joined him, shuddering above him. Both of their minds were in a whirlwind of pleasure, each feeling the other’s release. Clay loosened his hold on Rudy’s flesh and licked the mark. His broad feline tongue with its tiny spines swept over it until it stopped bleeding. That lovely tongue could do many delightfully naughty things to Rudy as he had happily discovered. The small bite on Clay’s arm had already closed.
Carefully, Clay pulled out of Rudy’s body. Rudy felt utterly boneless and stayed right where he was, draped half over the bed. He could hear Clay in the bathroom running water and then he was back, cleaning Rudy up before he mopped up the mess Rudy had left on the hardwood floor.
“Come on, babe,” he murmured into Rudy’s ear. “Into bed with you.”
“I think you killed me. Staying right here is good.”
Clay chuckled, lifting Rudy’s legs and placing them in the bed while Rudy grumbled in protest. As soon as Clay was beside him, Rudy rolled into him, nuzzling his chest. Clay drew the comforter over them and kissed Rudy’s forehead.
“Love you.” Rudy was too worn out to speak out loud.
“Love you too,” Clay responded back to him as Rudy fell asleep, sated and happy in his mate’s arms.
§ § § §
Rudy arrived at the funeral home early, wanting to make sure everything was done to his satisfaction. He didn’t want Clay or his family to have to deal with any of this nor did he want any unexpected surprises. Clay would be coming with both sets of grandparents in one of the home’s limousines. Jackson was staying with the kids at the house, the girls promising once more to be on their best behavior. Allie and Matt showed up minutes after he did.
“You didn’t need to come early, I told you I would take care of it,” he chastised her.
“Yes, you did. But I know you. You would take care of everybody and everything because you are such a loving person, that’s how you are made. But who would take care of you?” She stepped up close to him and drew him into a hug.
Rudy hadn’t even realized until she held him that he was shaking, fine tremors wracking his body. Her grip tightened and he sank into the comfort she offered. The tremors eased and he sighed.
“Told you,” she whispered into his ear, running a hand up and down his back. “You take too much onto yourself. You always have.”
“I know.”
Matt was not bothered by their closeness. He knew Allie loved him unconditionally. She also loved Rudy as much as Rudy loved her, though not in a romantic way, more like brother and sister. She had been his secretary when he’d started his company and immediately taken him and his fledgling company under her wing, showing compassion and intelligence as she’d helped Rudy achieve his dream. Allie was far more than his personal assistant and administrative assistant. He was blessed the day she’d walked into his office looking for a job.
Rudy had only had three friends in his life until Clay came along, Hermy, Cornelius, and then Allie. With his psychotic half-brothers and their mother, it had been too dangerous to have friends in case they were caught up with him when he was cornered and beaten. He hadn’t been able to take the chance of that happening. Hermy and Cornelius were clever, strong and refused to be cowed. They were his friends and that was that.
As for Allie, the one time that Donny tried something with her, she had given him a black eye and he had left her alone after that. His brothers had refused to beat up a woman, probably their only saving grace. Now, she had her strong wolf husband to come to her aid, not that she needed it even if she was human.
Rudy felt Matt also rubbing his back and calmed down further. He stepped back and smiled his thanks at both of them. Words were not needed, they understood each other.
“Mr. Klaus-Barnett. The chapel is ready.” The director for their funeral approached them. “The minister is here and would like a word with you before the service.”
“Of course. Why don’t you guys grab a seat while I speak to the minister? I’ll be right there.”
The director pointed them in the direction of the chapel and led Rudy to a room just beyond it. The minister Rudy had chosen was non-denominational and he made sure she had no problems with LGBTQ. They discussed what she would say, and Rudy had a good feeling about her and about the service. After the small service, the family would travel to the cemetery in limousines for the internment then return to the home for the celebration/wake to take place in the largest banquet room.
After he spoke to the minister, he entered the chapel and joined Clay who sat in the front row. The chapel was beautiful with delicate orchids, Clarice’s favorite flowers, artfully arranged around the two urns that held her and Patrick’s remains.
Clay clasped his hand tightly and didn’t let it go throughout the entire thing. He could hear Clarice and Patrick’s parents softly crying through the lovely service. They rode to the cemetery where the minister said some more words as the two urns were placed side by side in the marble niche. Clay ran his fingers over the metal plaque with Clarice and Patrick’s names engraved into it. He practically vibrated with the pain he was feeling inside, and Rudy didn’t know what to do other than send his love down the bond to Clay.
“Let’s go, babe.” Rudy stroked his back. “We know they are all right because they made sure we would know.”
Clay nodded, gave an exhale and allowed Rudy to lead him away to the limo. They arrived back at the funeral home and were led to the banquet hall. Rudy’s heart was filled to overflowing at the sheer number of people in the room. The place was absolutely packed. That so many people had come to pay their respects, spoke very highly of Clarice and Patrick. They were—had been—well liked.
Tables covered with hors d’oeuvres, finger foods and deserts were placed against one wall. Another held coffee urns, hot and cold water, and a variety of sodas.
Rudy was talking to a couple of Clarice’s staff members when Rick Millar, the assistant manager of the trucking company Patrick worked for interrupted him.
“I’m sorry to bother you, Rudy, but could I have a word with you?” He glanced up at the women. “In private, please. This has to do with Patrick’s life insurance and the children’s benefits.”
Rudy gave him an incredulous look. “And you need to discuss this now?”
“HR really messed up and the wrong paperwork was sent to the insurance company. The new papers must be sent in immediately or they’ll lose their benefits. I’ve already got Clay’s signatures on the forms.”
“Oh, fine. I’m sorry, please excuse me,” Rudy apologized to the women and followed Rick out of the room.
“There’s an empty office here. It’s the one Clay and I used for him to sign the papers.”
“All right.”
They entered the room and Rudy watched as Rick pulled a sheaf of papers out of his suit’s inside pocket. He felt a pinch on the side of his neck and spun around in alarm, slapping his hand against his neck. Two smirking men, looking very out of place in T-shirts and worn jeans, stood before the now closed door. One had an empty syringe in his hand.
“What the—” The room blurred and Rudy’s legs abruptly felt like rubber. They wouldn’t support him, and he sank to his knees. The last thing he remembered was the blue carpet rushing up to his face, then nothing. He didn’t even have the chance to call for help.