Kayden moved toward Drake’s office, knowing that Saxon would be in there with Drake working on security. But upon stepping into the office, a free target stood there listening to Drake talking.
Not waiting, Kayden tapped Matty on the shoulder, waiting for him to turn around, drawing everyone’s attention. Matty had no warning as his fist connected with him in an uppercut, sending him across Drake’s desk.
“What the hell?” he growled, getting up and ready to come across the desk at him when Drake slapped his hand on the desk, stopping all movement.
“You want to tell me why you just hit my son?” Drake growled.
“Because I just saw his mate with tears in her eyes. If he doesn’t do something, I don’t know what Strom will do. She’s fed up, Drake, and I mean fed up. I swear I’ve never seen her so sad,” he growled.
Drake turned his glare on his son. “Kayden is right; this has gone on long enough. I thought you two were working it out?”
“Stay out of it, Dad. I had to check something out, and I just got back. I’ll let that one slide because I had it coming, but don’t interfere, any of you,” Matty growled, leaving the room.
Drake sat down in his seat, shaking his head. “He’s going to lose that girl, and I have no idea why? Saxon, you’re best friends with him; anything?” Drake asked his friend and commander.
Saxon shook his head. “They were doing really good until he got a call two days ago. None of us saw him again. I hate to say it, but Nava’s ready to fry his ass. Storm even closed down her store yesterday. She was gone all day. Nava was having a fit she was so worried, and I have to say so was I. I’ve never known Storm to close her store.”
“This is not good at all. Is Storm planning on going today?” Drake looked at him.
“I don’t know. I know she’ll be helping Elf and her daughter get ready in a few hours,” Kayden said.
Drake smiled, and it wasn’t a good one as he reached over and picked up the phone, covering the one end with his hand as he said, “It’s time I took matters into my own hands. Saxon, I’ve already called the brothers in. And, my general, they will meet you at the square to discuss security. I want this town sealed. These children need to be able to relax and not worry.”
“It will be done.” Saxon nodded and went to leave. “Come on; let’s get our men moving. We still don’t know who the damn traitor is, so I want everyone on alert. I hate this not knowing, looking at people I’ve known all my life wondering if they are the one,” Saxon said, glancing at him. “Did Elf tell you any more about the traitors?”
Kayden shook his head. “No, I don’t know if she isn’t sleeping or if this Tormac has Elf so wound up and careful that she keeps to herself. Today was the first day since her arriving here that she’s actually come out of her room, except for meals.”
“What’s your gut telling you about this Tormac?” Saxon asked as they moved down the tunnels to the middle of town.
“He hurt Elf somehow, and if he’s as possessive as I feel right now, he’s close, waiting for his chance.” Kayden growled, the beast itching to come out and search for the man but had no clue on whom and what this man was. “Would like your permission to have Dagr to run a check on him.”
Saxon stopped and looked at him. “You know we’re treading on Drake’s territory?”
“I know, but I have no choice. I need this information if I’m going to keep her and our babies safe.” Kayden clenched his fists, needing to find this threat to his mate and destroy it or rip it apart, which he’d prefer.
“There is no need; I can tell you what you need to know,” Matty said, coming toward them from behind. “But first, thank you. I didn’t realize Storm was so upset.”
“You’ve spoken with her?” Kayden asked.
“I hope she listened. I’ve asked her to the Ice Cream Social. There’s so much I need to share with her...” Matty closed his eyes and took a deep breath.
Kayden reached over and squeezed his shoulder. “From what I could see, she’s hurt and scared.”
“Scared? Of what?” Matty growled.
“That you will have to find out, but be warned, parents sometimes take things into their own hands,” Saxon told Matty. “But for now, tell us what we need to know about this Tormac.”
“Tormac runs, well, used to run the whole east coast from New York and up. He knows the layout of our home and has been here many times.” Matty glanced at Kayden. “He’s a nasty SOB. I’ve seen him rip apart his own general for making one mistake, and it wasn’t pretty. Even Father had to get on him about it.”
“Great, just what Elf needs after her,” Kayden growled. “I want guards at the entrance of her rooms and at the end of the wing. We have children up there, including yours, Saxon.”
“It’s already done. Dad’s asked the Moree brothers to watch your wing. Needless to say, Tormac does not stand a chance. I know I wouldn’t want the Moree brothers after me.”
Kayden could only nod, agreeing with him, having heard the stories of the brothers long ago. “Wait, does that mean..” Kayden glanced at Saxon, who moaned.
“Please, don’t tell me the beasts are coming, too?” Saxon questioned him.
“Afraid so, they go everywhere with Alaster now. It’s the only way they could keep people from getting ripped up trying to get to their home. Believe me, Drake laid into Alaster, one of the only men brave enough to, because I sure wouldn’t.”
“They better not harm one of the children,” Kayden growled.
“Relax, Alaster has all of them under control, and even they know better to cross the man, which is totally strange.”
All three of them stepped out onto the main road as Matty closed the door behind them, the sheriff there waiting for them, with the posse floating around them.
“So, who are we going to kill,” Calamity Jane asked, appearing next to the sheriff.
“Bloodthirsty wench, let the man speak,” Flask growled, yanking Jane back up against him as he nodded to them. “We’re all here to help.”
“Theo, I believe you met Tormac when he paid us a visit the last time?” Matty asked.
“Son of a bitch! How the hell are we supposed to find him? You know damn well he can change his appearance.” Theo glared at Matty.
“That’s why all of you will have to use your sense of smell,” Drake said, coming up behind him as if appearing out of thin air. Drake held a large plastic bag with a shirt in it. “I call him here once a year for this purpose. Everyone, make sure you know this scent because this man raped my daughter and might have my granddaughter hidden somewhere.”
“He what?” Kayden released his demon, taking the bag, making sure that the scent was imprinted on his brain. This man was a dead man, his time limited on this planet.
* * * *
The material was the softest thing Elf had ever felt as she stared in the mirror as Storm flew around her, turning her head from side to side. “Yep, I think this color is perfect for you. The pink is perfect. Do you like it?” Storm asked, shifting and standing next to her.
“How can I not. I feel like a queen, the dress is so elegant but sexy, and Maranda’s dress... Well, look at her. You even gave Malcom a little suit. Now, tell me what’s going on? I see you are all dressed up. Matty taking you?” she asked.
“Nope, I’m being escorted by Nolan Moree. You should see the man, hot...” Storm said.
“You think it’s wise with Matty being around?” Elf asked as her daughter came over smiling.
“He thinks I’ll just sit here and wait, well I’m not. Twice he’s hurt me; it’s going to take a long time if at all. Plus, Nolan makes me feel safe.” Storm rubbed her arms and looked around.
“What? Is someone bothering you?” Elf asked, placing her hand on Storm’s arm.
“It might not be anything. I have to go. I promised to meet Nolan downstairs.” Elf leaned over and place a kiss on her cheek. “Have fun today; you deserve it,” she said and disappeared as Kayden knocked on her door and peeked inside.
His gaze roamed up and down her body as he stepped inside, shutting the door behind him. “Beautiful, the both of you are amazing. You sure you want to go? Because I don’t think I want to share you just yet,” he grumbled, and she laughed.
“Too bad, you promised us,” Elf said as Kayden stepped further in.
“Fine, but don’t blame me if I rip someone’s head off if they get too close. Was Storm here? Matty has been looking all over for her.”
Elf moved to the crib, picking up her son, trying to calm her hormones. Not only was Kayden handsome, but in the suit, she could stare at him all night. “Storm went to meet her date. Looks like Matty waited a bit too long. Actually, I’m a little bit worried about her. There’s something she’s not sharing, it’s almost...” Elf looked up into Kayden’s gaze. “As if someone is hunting her. I never thought of it, but it could explain why she’d disappear and reappear a few minutes later. Maybe she doesn’t want someone tracking her?” Elf pointed to the closet behind Kayden. “Would you pull out the stroller for me?” she asked, reaching down and lifting her son up. Kissing his belly, her little guy laughed. Elf had been very lucky all her children had been happy babies, even when tensions were high they seemed to know when to be good.
A knock on her door had her looking up to see Matty peeking his head in and looking around. “Is Storm here?” he asked.
Elf hated to break the news to her brother, but she wouldn’t lie to him. “No, she has a date for the social. She went to meet him.” Matty’s eyes, turned a red color, and she could hear the growl as her daughter hid behind her, holding onto her leg as she did when frightened, afraid the guards would take her away.
“Get out,” Elf ground out. “You’re scaring my daughter. Maranda, it’s okay, baby, your uncle is just having a bad day,” Elf said, placing her son in the stroller, kneeling down to face her. “We’re safe here, baby,” she whispered, pulling her into her arms, hugging her tight. When she looked up to see Matty there, his eyes were normal.
Kneeling next to them, he sighed. “I’m sorry, princess, I didn’t mean to scare you. I was just a little upset and hurt.”
Her daughter peeked at him, “You won’t hurt Momma? I’ll be good,” she whispered, bringing tears to her eyes.
“No one is going to hurt you or your momma again, Maranda, that I promise.” Matty stood but not before placing a kiss on her daughter’s cheek and leaning over, squeezing her arm. “Now, if you excuse me, I need to find a little fairy and apologize again and deck the idiot she’s with,” he grumbled. “You don’t happen to know who she’s with, do you?”
Kayden glanced at her, and Elf sighed, pushing the stroller toward the door. “I shouldn’t be telling you this, but someone named Nolan Moree.” She looked over at Kayden, who was laughing so hard she thought he’d fall over when Matty punched him in the arm.
“It’s not that funny,” Matty said and moved out of her quarters as Kayden stepped up beside her, lifting Maranda up in his arms.
“Ready?” he asked, placing a kiss on her daughter’s cheek, making her giggle.
“Let’s go, and you’re going to tell me what is so funny?” she asked as Saxon and Nava met them in the hall with Ana.
Maranda squirmed until Kayden put her down so she could walk with Ana. “Ana, you look so pretty in your dress and hat, just like your momma.”
“Oh my god, you look amazing. I so love the dresses. Now, do tell me what is going on with our dear brother?” Nava asked.
“He found out Storm had a date,” Elf said, looking at Kayden. “And Kayden was going to explain why Storm’s date was so funny?”
“Who?” Saxon asked.
“Nolan Moree,” Kayden said, smiling as Saxon shook his head.
“Now I kind of feel sorry for the man,” Saxon said as both she and Nava looked at each other.
“See, this is what I was talking about,” Elf said, glaring at Kayden. “Spill it now, and so help me, if this guy hurts Storm, I’m going to hurt you both, now tell us.”
“There is nothing to worry about, Storm is with one of the best hunters around. Matter of fact, Matty was just telling us how good today. That he wouldn’t want to come up against him and his brothers.”
“Really, interesting. I can’t wait to meet this man and his brothers,” Elf said, winking at Nava, who nodded.
“Yes, I have to say, I’d like to meet them, too. If they’re this good, they must be something,” Nava said, and both of them waited. Nava mouthed, one, two...
“There is no reason for you two to see these men,” Saxon growled.
Elf laughed. “What? It’s our duty, as sisters, to make sure this man is good enough for our...” Her words died out as two men stepped in front. Both Ana and Maranda came running back to them, hugging their legs.
“Alaster, Cahir, quit scaring everyone, jeez. I told you three you need to work on your manners. Definitely going to have to find all of you a mate,” Darla said, pushing between the two men, followed by Drake and her sisters, Elle and Tara.
“Elf, Nava, these two plus their brother will be guarding this wing for a while. I wanted you all to get to know each other, so they will be escorting all of us to the social. Ana, Maranda, come here, little ones; we have something you need to see,” Darla said, holding out her hands.
Her mom looked stunning in her green summer dress with matching hat and shoes. Her long black hair, just like hers, swirled in ringlets down her back.
Slowly, their little girls moved to their grandma, taking her hand. “Ana, Maranda, these are your guards, but they also bring some animals that you shouldn’t be afraid of. They won’t hurt you when they come out at night. They just go after the bad guys, okay?” her mom said.
“What animals?” Nava asked, frowning.
Drake smiled at the girls as Darla made Alaster and Cahir bend down to meet the girls. “Alaster has been adopted by the beasts of Tuamgraney. I’m afraid they will be here with him at night. So, if you get up at night, do not be afraid of the animals; they will not hurt you. Right?” Drake said, looking at Alaster.
“They will not hurt anyone, but they shouldn’t be played with either.” Alaster glanced at the two girls, smiling. “These animals are trained to hunt the bad guys. They hunt at night, so we can’t bother them when they are working, okay?” he asked.
For a man his size and his scary appearance, Elf had to admit he and his brother both handled the girls as if they had been around children before. Rising, both men bowed to them and stepped aside, allowing them to proceed down the hall.
Nava leaned over. “I have to say, I can’t wait to see the other brother. I can see why Storm would feel safe around him if he’s like his brothers. I guess we are all lucky to have men who can handle themselves.”
“It will be interesting to see how Matty handles himself. I have a feeling if he embarrasses Storm...”
“She’s going to fly in the wind. I, too, am afraid of this,” her mother said, sliding in between both of them as Ana, Maranda, Elle, and Tara skipped in front of them.
“Let’s hope my son uses my advice this time,” Darla growled and looked over her shoulder.
Drake smiled. “It’s got his attention at least.”
Elf glanced at Drake. “You asked him to do this?” Elf questioned, and Nava growled. “Do you know what this will do to Storm’s confidence.” Elf shook her head. “This is not good at all.”
“No, it’s not, because last time I talked to Storm, she already doubted herself.” Nava glared back at Drake as they rounded the corner to a hall Elf hadn’t been down.
“My son needed a push, and believe me, their brother is not being used,” Drake said as Alaster snorted behind him.
“Rest assured, ladies, our brother finds all ladies attractive, and he met Storm before, so she knew who he was,” Cahir said as he moved to the front of the girls. “Little ones, we are getting close to the door to the outside world, please, go to your mommies right now so we can make sure it’s okay?”
All four girls ran toward them, hiding behind them.
Elf sighed. “Great, now they’re going to be scared to go outside.” She glared at the man.
He shrugged. “It’s our job to protect you.” With those words, Cahir and his brother both moved ahead of them, opening the door, letting in the sunshine.
Elf stopped and stared at the door. It was the first time in her life Elf was actually going outside without bars, guards, and guns all around her. A knot formed in her throat and tears filled her eyes as she took a deep breath, she was really free.