Red Satin Lips, Book One (The Surrender Series) Read online

  “I have a feeling it’s one of the reasons why Baal is angry. You’ve bonded with Gage long ago. You carry his blood inside of you, so Baal, or Michael, or whatever you want to call him, can’t get into your mind. Since he does not have a bond with his daughter, Baal must really be furious. From what we’ve heard, he likes to keep close contact on all his children. The ones who give him trouble, he kills or they go into hiding.” Herick nodded to the one called Javier.

  “We know for a fact two of his children has taken up residence in the Fae realm. The Queen and King have a few of their men watching, but they have lived there for over a hundred years and have seen nothing. Baal can’t penetrate the Fae world or influence anyone carrying our blood. Do you have anyone on your team that might carry Fae blood?”

  He looked at Gage who frowned. “I have no idea, but we should call the rest of the team in. Lars called the Admiral. He’ll be here tomorrow and as well as our contact with the human FBI.”

  His brother leaned forward. “You aren’t going to mention anything about the Fae in front of the human, are you?” Herick asked.

  “Do you really think I’m that stupid?” Gage snarled. “I might not have been Alpha here, but I kept up on things and I know the Fae do not want to be exposed. We’ll meet them at the guest lodge, use the conference rooms there, but I’d like our team at the main house.”

  “There are only about six left of our team,” Lars explained. “The explosion took out Team B and over half of our team,” Lars announced.

  “Damn, I didn’t know it was that bad.” Herick drummed his fingers on the table, but stopped when they heard the snarl. All three of them stood and moved towards the kitchen.

  ****

  Tamara shook her head as she stared down at the bitch on the floor under her foot. “Well that went well,” she muttered to Ana who was still snarling, but what caught her attention was the man who Gage had thrown the apple to.

  He had tried to stop Belinda’s attack, but he hadn’t reached her in time. “You want to explain what is up your ass that you’d risk being banned?”

  “She’s Gage’s old girlfriend. I thought Connie had gotten over the fact he’d moved on, but I guess I was wrong,” Ana snarled again as three hyped up Alpha males came flying into the kitchen ready to take on anyone who threatened them.

  Cocking her head to the side, Tamara tapped her finger to her lips. “Let’s see, you would think my husband would inform me when old flames were still around? Ana, what do you think they’d do if my old boyfriend showed up?”

  A snort came from behind her. “They’d tear the guy apart. You can release her. She won’t touch you now.” Ana touched her shoulder and Tamara stepped away from the ex-girlfriend..

  Giving her a brief glance, Tamara said. “Stay away from us. I better not hear about you causing any trouble or you’re out of here.” She glanced at Lars, then at Gage. “I take it he’s my new guard?” She nodded to the man who leaned against the wall.

  “Come here,” Gage held out his hand and she knew he was once more trying to battle the wolf inside him.

  Not thinking, Tamara placed her hand in his and stepped into his arms. “I’m okay, Gage.” She wrapped one arm around her and held out the other for Lars including him. Oh he might act like he could handle all of this, but Tamara could see the strain of this night on him.

  “You’re done meeting the women. Come keep us company. Maybe you can give us some input,” Lars said hugging them both, but winked at her.

  “She’s trouble and you all know it,” Connie snapped, but Gage and Lars didn’t budge, holding on to her.

  “Level two,” she heard Herick say.

  When she turned around in Gage’s arms, the woman in question was gone. Herick held Ana in a tight grip at his side. She rolled her eyes. “They’ll be very clingy for the rest of the night,” she sighed, but Tamara could see the smile in her eyes.

  “Let me introduce you to Orlando,” Gage whispered in her ear and lead her toward the man who had been shadowing her. “Orlando, this is our wife, Tamara. Tamara, Orlando will be your head guard. He will be personally coordinating all your guards and the security around you. If you have to go somewhere, you will speak with him after you speak with us, of course.” Gage nipped her shoulder.

  Holding out her hand, Tamara smiled at the man. “You are going to have a boring job since I doubt my men will allow me to venture too far from their view from now on,” she teased and he grinned.

  “That’s okay, I’d rather have boring than to have to kill someone,” he kissed the top of her hand.

  Behind her Gage snarled and pulled her away from him. “You don’t need to be kissing her.”

  “I was just showing my respect. After all she will be queen,” he winked at her and she laughed as Gage and Lars pulled her out of the kitchen and back to the table where they had been sitting..

  “When can I take a shower? I’m really starting to itch,” she asked Lars as he pulled out her chair for her.

  “Tonight, when we go home,” Lars said and kissed her cheek, “I want you to listen to what these men have to say.”

  For the next hour, Tamara listened to the men informing her of all the weaknesses of her father. They all knew there was no way to kill him, but they could send him back, restrict his movements on Earth

  All the while she listened, Tamara kept coming back to the fact she had an older brother and sister in the Fae world. Somehow this was important and could be used, but Tamara also wanted to meet them.

  Furor, one of the new men, seemed to know more than anyone else about her siblings. With the talking settled for a minute, Tamara leaned onto the table and focused her attention on him. “Furor, do you know where my brother and sister are? Could I meet them?”

  “No!” Shouts erupted from every male around the table which made had her stiffen her spine and glare at each man.

  Chapter Twelve

  “Are you crazy? We’re trying to get you away from him and you want to meet his children?” Lars shouted. He jumped up and started to pace back and forth. “He killed my grandmother, your mother!” Lars glared at her.

  She gasped. Her hand flew to her chest. He actually blamed her. Slowly, Tamara stood as she kept the tears back. “Of all things you have ever said to me, this hurts the most.” She held up her hand and backed away from them.

  “These are my siblings. Since you blame me for these deaths, there is no reason for me not to meet them. Furor, I don’t know if you know where they are, but let it be known I want to meet them. Orlando, I want to go back to the house alone. Would you arrange it please?”

  “No, you’ll go back to the house when we do,” Gage stood and stepped toward her, but Tamara couldn’t do it.

  “Stop! I’ve obeyed everything you’ve said tonight, done everything you wanted, but this I can’t and won’t give you. I’m sorry you feel my family did this to you, but I will meet them and that is one thing you will not stop. Go home Lars, it’s obvious you need them. I won’t be with a man who feels I’m a threat to him.” Tamara grasped onto Orlando’s arm and wished to be back at the house in front of the fireplace in the den.

  Opening her eyes, Tamara stared at the fire through tear-filled eyes. “Sorry about that Orlando, I knew if I didn’t at least bring you Gage would be throwing one of his fits.”

  “What the hell is going on?” Maxim asked as he ran into the room. He looked to Orlando, then to her.

  “Just a disagreement with Gage and Lars,” she said studying him. “Do you know my brother and sister?” She stepped forward, but jumped back as soon as Lars and Gage appeared in the room, furious.

  “Are you crazy? What if your father took you when you were flashing here?” Lars yelled as he grabbed hold of her shoulders and shook her.

  “Let go of me.” His fingers were digging into her shoulders only for a minute when he realized what he was doing and released her. “Both of you need to decide what you want.” She glared at Gage when he started to say somet
hing.

  “All night I’ve had to sooth your ruffled feathers and I’m tired of it. I want this, I need this. I know I have family that wants me dead, but maybe I also have some family who would like to be part of my life. Both of you have that, I don’t. There is also the possibility that with the three of us together we might be able to come up with something to stop my father and this crazy bitch.” She took a deep breath and turned to sit by the fireplace.

  “As you’ve pointed out Lars, I don’t want any more deaths on my head or in my heart.” She looked over her shoulder at him. “Go home and visit your folks, Lars. It’s obvious you need to see them.” She stretched her legs out in front of her.

  “So, Maxim, do you know where my brother and sister are?” She looked up, but he was gone as was Orlando. Tamara shook her head. “Just go, the both of you. All I’m going to do is sit here and relax. Maybe I’ll have some hot chocolate later and a nice hot bath. I promise not to go anywhere else.”

  Lars knelt before the chair she sat in and laid his head on her lap. “I’ve hurt you again, and it was the last thing I wanted to do. Words flew out of my mouth. You know I don’t hold you accountable for what your father has done. Or those that are you siblings.” He wrapped his arms around her legs, holding her tight.

  “I’m afraid, we both are. What if these two hurt you?” Lars looked up and stared into her face.

  “You and Gage will be there, plus my new security team. I’m not asking to do it alone, hell, even, Maxim could be there too, but right now you need to go visit your folks.” She reached over and cupped his cheek.

  “Go Lars, go make sure your family is okay. I’ll stay here. I won’t go anywhere. I don’t know if your mom wants to hear this coming from me, but tell her I’m sorry and I wish things could have been different. She’s an amazing lady.”

  “I can’t leave, plus what they did…” He shook his head and stood.

  “Lars, they’re hurting too. Your dad just lost his mother. It will take you, what, an hour? In the meantime, Gage can help me with that hot bath,” she said standing and hugging him. “I love you Lars and I’m not going anywhere. Just because your family is leery of me right now, there is no sense in you closing them out of your life.” She reached up, framing his face. “Now, give me a kiss and go visit your folks.”

  He wrapped his arm around her, and bent her backwards, staring into her face. “You are my life now. I’ll go but only for a few minutes, because I will be helping with that bath.” With his other hand, he cupped her breast. “This is all ours.” His lips covered hers in a passionate kiss.

  Not only was he claiming her with his kiss, but Lars was making sure Tamara knew he’d be back. He snarled, breaking the kiss and handing her over to Gage. “I’ll be back soon. I love you both.” Lars kissed Gage quickly before vanishing out of the room

  “Can’t my father get him when he does that?” She looked up at Gage who shook his head. “No, he has more of my blood in him, plus the beast in him wouldn’t allow anyone to take over. In some ways he’s as strong as your father. Lars just does not realize it.” He swung her up in his arms.

  “I’m really sorry we hurt you earlier, baby, but the thought of...well, it’s going to be hard to have them in the same room with you.” He carried her out of the den and up the stairs toward their room.

  “They’re just like me, Gage. I need to see them. I really believe the three of us will be able to come up with something.” She rested her head on his chest. “I’m sorry I took off like that. I just couldn’t stand having everyone stare at me and I am really tired.”

  “You haven’t fed either. Feed from me, Tamara. I fed before coming back.” Stepping into their room, Gage sat down on the bed and opened his shirt. “Come on, feed.”

  She licked the skin above his heart, before placing a kiss there. Gage’s chest was covered with thick dark hair and Tamara loved his chest. Both of her men had wide chests, abs that any woman would drool over, but Gage had a nice hairy chest while Lars’ was smooth.

  Her fangs descended in her mouth, the smell of his blood calling her. Placing one more kiss, Tamara sank her fangs into him. His rich blood flowed into her, filling those empty starved cells in her body.

  “You’re going to have to feed more now that you’re carrying our children. They’ll need our blood to help them grow inside you. With you carrying twins at least, it’s important not to skip your feeding.” Gage brushed her hair back and kissed the top of her head.

  She sealed the holes and looked up at him. “Why does it feel like we’ve been going for days instead of hours? I just feel emotionally and physically tired. I want a hot bath, maybe some hot chocolate and a bed with you and Lars holding me.”

  “Let’s get you in the tub first.” Gage picked her up and carried her to the bathroom and sat her down on the counter. “Stay there and let me get the water running.”

  Stripping out of his shirt and shoes, Gage got the water going before adding her favorite bubbles. Both men always made sure Tamara had what she liked. Over the last six months, they had watched and noticed all the little things she liked.

  “Why are you staring at me like that?” Gage turned and focused his attention on her, helping her strip out of the dress.

  “Do all males of your kind take care of their mates like you two do? I mean you know what I want before I do sometimes. You always make sure my favorite bubble bath is there, my favorite shampoo. Hell, you even make sure I get white chocolate since I can’t drink the dark.”

  He smiled, scooping her up in his arms. “Why would we get you something that makes you sick? And I know for a fact my father does the same things for my mom and so does Lars' father. She never feeds from anyone but him.” Gage laughed as he sat down in the water.

  “Lars told me once his father wasn’t around and his mom needed to feed. So she proceed to call a human to her and all hell broke loose I guess. His father was furious. Needless to say she didn’t try it again.” Gage ran his hand over her ass. “Lars said he could hear his mother cussing him for the next twelve hours every time she tried to sit down.”

  “And I’ll do the same for you too if I even think you are going to feed from anyone else but Gage and me,” Lars said, stripping out of his clothes and stepping into the tub.

  She frowned. “You weren’t gone that long. Is everything okay?”

  He reached under the water and took one of her feet in his hand, rubbing it. “Mom was sleeping and dad was trying to convince grandfather to stay with them, but he’s refusing. Your test results came back and they are as Maxim predicted.”

  “But?” She knew it wasn’t good the way he glanced at Gage then to her.

  “But, they would still rather you’d stay away. There is another thing. Your father wants you to call him and if you don’t, well…” Lars released her one foot and took the next. “He expects your call tonight.”

  Taking the sponge, Gage soaped it up and begun to wash one arm. “She can call after we’re done with the bath, but for now both of you are just going to allow this nice hot water to take some of that tension out of you.”

  “Like you don’t have any,” Tamara moaned as Lars’ hands moved up to her calf. “You know after all this is taken care of, I think I’m going to sleep for a week. Or veg out in front of the TV.” She sat up and looked back at Gage.

  “You do have satellite TV, right? Because if I miss my Walking Dead show, I’m going to be royally pissed.” Both men burst out laughing as Gage pulled her back against his chest and kissed the top of her head.

  “Yes, we have satellite TV so not to worry, Little Momma, you are all set,” he teased her and she smiled.

  “Good, then you both can watch it with me tonight after we call dear old Daddy Dearest.”

  ****

  With her skin pink and clean, Lars wrapped the towel around her, before picking her up and carrying her into the bedroom.

  “I can walk, you know.” She snuggled against him and he just held her tighter
. “I know you and your father had words and I’m sorry. I’d hope with the results, things would have changed. Maybe after things settle down they’ll change their mind. I’m sorry our children won’t be born on your family estate. I know how much that meant to your family. Seems I’m destroying every tradition your family has.” She looked up into his dark eyes as he laid her down on the bed.

  He heard the hurt and sadness in her voice, but she continued fidgeting with the sheet under her. “Did you know in seventh grade the kids said I was bad luck to anyone who was around me for too long. Who knows, maybe they’re right. Look at what I did to your family in six months. Your brother is dead and so is your grandmother. Your ancestral home is gone and now our children will be born here away from your land, not to mention you can’t even bring me around your family.:

  Sitting down next to her, Lars pulled the blanket over them and took her hand into his as Gage slipped in on the other side. “For one thing, you are not bad luck. You can’t help who your father is. As for my family, my brother’s path was well on its way before he even met you. My grandmother…You did nothing. This lies at your father’s feet. I found out tonight that my grandfather and your father had butted heads before so it’s not like this was new, this vendetta. The only thing that is new is who he is.” He handed her the phone and the number. “Call him so we can get this out of the way. Put it on speaker phone so all of us can hear it.”

  With a trembling hand, Tamara picked up the phone as Maxim came into the room with hot chocolate. “I hope you don’t mind, but I wanted to be in here when you called. Gage asked me to come.”

  She nodded, dialing the phone number and pushing the speaker phone button. “Hello, Little Girl and whoever is listening to this call.”