Cade: Le Beau Brothers: billionaire Shifter Series BBW mates (Le Beau Series) (19 page)

Thomas and John were exhausted and had already gone to bed. This was the perfect time for a quick run to relax after cooking all day.

The property was beautiful with tall old-growth trees with lovely Spanish moss hanging from the branches, some hanging to the ground. In some areas of the property, the trees were so thick
even a wolf barely got through. In other areas, they were spread out like a sprawling lawn with a tree here and a tree there.

Anna’s favorite time to run the property was when there was a heavy, gray fog. The murkiness gave everything an air of mystery and made playing hide and seek much more fun.

You had to be careful running the woods even as a wolf. In the New Orleans area, the trees tend to have a heavy root system running above the ground, and you can easily catch a paw or trip. She knew this from experience, spraining a paw was something she didn’t care to endure again.

The Le Beau plantation, held by Isaac
, was set to be handed down from generation to generation. It was lush with a variety of areas to enjoy. There was the riverfront with aged trees hanging their branches until they dipped into the water with its cool breezes. There was also the heavily wooded area and the bayou with its gators, nutria and all the multitudes of birds and wildlife the habitat supports.

The original plantation house which Isaac and Emma lived in
was closer to the river portion of the property to take advantage of the cooling effects for the house in the heat of summer.

Barely out of the house and still on the porch, Cade shifted, swished his tail at her then bounded into the night. She was still new to the whole shifting thing and the effort took a little more concentration and a lot more time for her to get it right. Sometimes she was able to poof all the clothes off and then got stuck standing naked with only part of her body shifted. Other times she would achieve the entire wolf form but still be wearing some of her human clothes.
Dang it! I’m going to get good at this if it kills me.
This time the change took her a minute or so, but she was actually able to accomplish the move correctly! 
Score!!!
 

She was in the process of congratulating herself and Cade was jumping circles around her in his wolf form when they heard a strangled noise coming from the front screen door. Thomas and John had come out of their rooms where she thought they were sleeping and watched their mother change into a wolf in front of their eyes.

He sighed and nudged her wolf in the side with his muzzle.
Come on, cher, no run tonight. We have other matters to handle now.

He walked to the bottom of the stairs leading to the porch and pointedly stared the young men in the eye, then shifted back to human form. His change at their feet had them stumbling back a step, gasping. “Come on boys, let’s give your mother a little privacy to shift back. She’s still learning
and the process requires a little effort.”

The men settled into the great room and waited for her to join them. No one said a word, they stared at Cade like he was an alien. John kept craning his neck to view Cade from different angles like he might spot some fur sprouting.

Anna, anytime.

Sorry, but the shock and pressure is giving me a little trouble. I almost got it
. She walked through the door and stood in front of her sons with her hands on her hips like only a mother can do.

She looked each of them directly in the eye. “Come on, let’s hear it. Hit me with your questions.” She waved her hand toward herself indicating, bring it on.

She saw Cade suppressing a grin as he watched her dealing with her adult boys.
You are poetry in motion and, damn, I’m never going to get myself into a situation where you look at me like that.

She turned and gave him a glare.

“What the hell was that?!” John pointed in the direction of the porch.

“Damn, Mom, are you a freaking werewolf!!?” Thomas exclaim
ed.

She glared at them and then the
‘mom pointed finger’ came into action. “Watch your language and DO NOT take that tone with me.”

The familiar interaction from their mother work
ed some kind of magic on the boys. They calmed a bit and began what would be a long information gathering session.

John and Thomas glanced at each other. “Are we shifters and you never told us?” Thomas asked.

“No, you are one hundred percent normal human. Before you freak out, let me explain what you saw.” She sat next to Cade and took a breath preparing herself for the best plan of action and explanation.

“I’m not a werewolf, I’m a shifter, which is different. From what I understand, werewolves as you see in movies and read about in books come from tales told by people who accidentally see a shifter who has gone rogue.”

She held up her hand like a stop sign as they geared up to shoot questions at her.

“Let me say up front there was no violent attack or biting to make a shifter like in the werewolf movies.” She wanted to reassure her sons shifters were not a bad thing.

For the next two hours, Anna and Cade answered the scores of questions from the boys.

“You mentioned a rogue shifter, what causes them to go bad?” Thomas asked.

“Having a combined soul is the main reason a shifter would go rogue. If his or her mate is killed, they also lose half of their soul which has been fused together by magic. The rending of a soul is horrible and often impossible to withstand for the mate left behind. Usually the other mate will die as well. On occasion a shifter will go a bit nuts and let his wolf take over in a rage. This normally occurs due to the death of their mate when they fail to follow them in death. They can’t be brought back from the edge and saved. They’re killed to protect the shifters’ secrecy and humans from harm.”

“So, Mom, can we be shifters too?” John’s eyes sparkled with interest.

“There are two ways to become a shifter. The main way is to mate with your other half who was born a shifter. The other way, which is extremely rare, is to petition the goddess for conversion. She is the one who originally created the shifters, and on rare occasions she’ll bless a human with shifting abilities and make them one. If you were to decide to try to be a shifter, Emma would request that of the great Luna.”

“Let me get this straight. Cade turned you into a shifter.” Thomas gave Cade a glare.

“Yes, he did. But only after I said I wanted him to, so put that attitude away.”

John was still bursting with questions. “Are shifters like immortal kind of things? I mean, do you only live to be normal human age, or what?”

Cade joined in again. “Shifters live to be around fourteen hundred years old. At maturity, a shifter appears to be around twenty five to thirty years old and they remain that way until they are about nine hundred years old, and then they begin to very slowly age again. So in reality, your mother looks like she is in her twenties. I’m using magic to make her appear as you would expect her to.”

“So what do you really look like, Mom?”
John asked.

Cade cocked an eyebrow and she was in her twenties right before their eyes.

“WHOA!” they both exclaimed.

She let out a giggle. “I know, right?”

Thomas leaned forward. “Geez, Mom, you look hot.”

“Ewwww.” John punched him in the arm.

“Not like that, you idiot. I just mean she is a very attractive woman.”

Cade smiled
. “I couldn’t agree more.” His eyes started to glow as he allowed steamy thoughts to race through his mind.

“As long as I have you all grossed out, John, I might as well tell you in my case the conversion to shifter made me physically younger and I can have children again.”

“Oh, man, Mom. TMI.” John blushed and covered his face with his hands, shaking his head back and forth like he might be able to dispel the unwelcome knowledge.

“Al
l right, boys, enough questions for tonight. Write down anything you think of and we can answer you tomorrow.” She was already standing and yawning, ready for the night to end.

The family gather
ed at Cade and Anna’s house. As Anna scanned the room she noted what everyone was wearing, once dinner was prepared she would need to change her clothes. Thomas and John were in blue jeans and short-sleeved shirts. They were used to Denver winters, and to them this was absolutely balmy. Stefan was dressed in blue jeans, a button down white shirt and a leather jacket. Cade also wore blue jeans, but he had on a black button-down dress shirt and loafers. As always, Marcus was dressed a little bit more formal than the rest of them, he did like his fashion. Marcus came in dress pants and a crisp, white designer shirt. Simon was curled up on the couch in his wolf form
.
With Anna’s help he now only spent about half his time in wolf form.

“You’re all looking so handsome today,” Anna said entering the room. She knew any reference to Cade’s brothers being handsome would push his buttons. He was just too easy and she couldn’t help herself.

“Cher, you don’t need to be noticing other men,” he growled.

She laughed as she walked toward the kitchen. Marcus and Stefan turned to each other, looked at him, and both busted out laughing.

Anna quickly got busy in the kitchen making a list of what still needed to be done and when items needed to start cooking so everything finished at the same time. There was still so much to do before her final guests arrived.

Every time Cade tried to sneak into the kitchen, she would shoo him back out. The aromas wafting through the house were making the men salivate.

Stefan glanced at Cade. “I know she cooks for you at home all the time, but did you know she could cook like this? I mean, man that smells good. You need to find me a woman who can cook like that.”

He
grinned. “No, I didn’t, but I’m an even luckier wolf now. Every time I turn around my mate amazes me more. Sorry, brother, you’re on your own. I don’t know how I ever got so lucky as to stumble upon Anna, but I thank the goddess every day I did.”

Marcus
nodded in agreement. “Yeah, I agree. Being a bachelor’s getting really old. I’m looking forward to settling down with a beautiful woman and starting a family.”

He glanced between both of his brothers. “Anna has spoken of several girlfriends who are single, and you are going to get to meet Rose today. Who knows
…” He left it hang there for his brothers to think about.

Rose, was flying in from Denver to celebrate Thanksgiving as a surprise. She would be staying for an open ended visit. When Cade heard she had lost her job he had called and suggested she extend her stay with them.

When Anna had her back turned, Stefan snuck into the kitchen driven in by the wonderful smells wafting around him. He was about to stick his finger into the mashed potatoes.

“Get out of that!”
she snapped, popping his hand with a spoon.

“Ow!” he said, jerking his hand back and then sucking his fingers.

“Get out of here, Stefan, or I swear I’ll whack you again.”

“Fine, I’ll wait
little sister, but you’re killing me here.” He grabbed a couple of beers from the cooler and went back to the men.

When he entered the
great room, Cade took one look at his bright red hand and a huge grin lit across his face. “What did you do, little brother?”

Stefan scowled at him. “Your mate wields one nasty wooden spoon. I made the mistake of reaching for the mashed potatoes. They just smelled so good!  I only wanted a little taste, and bam! She wacked me with her evil spoon.” Stefan was gesturing wildly mimicking a replay of what happened in the kitchen.

John and Thomas sat with knowing smiles.

“Oh, yeah, that sounds like
Mom all right,” Thomas said.

Both Cade and Marcus busted out laughing, even Simon made a chuffing sound from the couch.

A car pulled into the driveway. Cade reached over and gently touched Simon’s shoulder. “Simon, I’m sorry, but could you please shift to human? Anna’s human friend is about to walk through the door.”

Everyone turned to the sound of the front door opening. Isaac, Emma
, and Rose walked in carrying suitcases. Hearing the commotion, Anna came hustling out of the kitchen wiping her hands. She couldn’t believe what she was seeing! Both women squealed, grabbed each other and started a hugging dance combination. Everyone smiled and waited for the women to finish their excited greeting of each other.

She let Rose go from the tight hug she had her in, wrapped her arm around her friend’s shoulder, and they both turned to face the room full of handsome men and her mother
-in-law. “Rose, you know John and Thomas, and you’ve already met Isaac and Emma. This extremely handsome piece of male specimen is my husband, Cade.”

He stepped forward, taking Rose
’s hand in both of his. Clasping her hand gently, he said, “Rose, it’s a sincere pleasure to meet you. I’m so glad you’re able to spend some extended time with us.”

“I’m glad I
was able to come. I hated to miss the wedding. I’m sure the service was beautiful.”

“I wish you could’ve been here as well, but we can make up for it now.” She gave her friend another squeeze. “This scoundrel is the second oldest of the family, Stefan. Stefan, this is Rose. The one with impeccable manners is Marcus. Marcus, please meet Rose.”

Each of them stepped forward and gallantly shook Rose’s hand as they strangely leaned in, and she swore they sniffed her.

Anna gestured to Simon lying with his eyes closed on the couch
. “You remember I told you about Simon. He’s not feeling well, but wanted to join us today. He’ll come to the table for dinner if he’s feeling up to it, otherwise I’ll set a plate aside for him for later.”

Her friend stared at Simon.
Rose walked to him lying with his back to everyone in the room. She reached out and gently touched his shoulder with her fingertips. The caress was really barely a touch at all. She blushed bright red and pulled her hand back, quickly glancing at Simon’s family before returning to stand next to Anna again.

Anna saw
Simon’s head raise a little and turn toward Rose. His nose seemed to twitch but as Rose retreated he returned to his original position.

“Are you al
l right?” Anna whispered and led Rose into the kitchen.

“I don’t know, I don’t just walk up to strangers and touch them like that. Why did I do that?
” she asked.

“Don’t worry about it, hun. Let’s enjoy the meal and we can talk tonight after everyone goes home. I don’t think anyone was watching anyway
,” she said to comfort her. She knew darn well everyone had seen her but she wasn’t going to tell her friend that.

With introductions out of the way, everyone started milling around chatting and enjoying each other’s company. Anna encouraged Rose to join the boys, along with Isaac and Emma in the
great room while she went to change out of her cooking clothes into a pair of black slacks and a silk blouse for dinner.

Cade quietly snuck through the bedroom door, easing it shut behind him. He leaned against the wall, quietly watching her, admiring his beautiful mate. He couldn’t stand to be away from her for very long.

Not hearing him, she turned around. “Oh my God!  You scared the heck out of me. Don’t do that.”

He tried to appear contrite
. “I’m sorry, cher. I didn’t mean to startle you. I couldn’t wait one more second to get you all to myself. I swear I’ll never get enough of you.”

She gave him a saucy smile, stood on her tip toes and gave him a sweet, gentle kiss.

When he moved to snag her, she quickly danced out of his reach. “Oh, no you don’t. I need to get cleaned up and changed so we can eat before all my hard work gets cold.” 

He gave her his best pout, he was sure he looked like a petulant child.

She chuckled and shook her head as she entered the bathroom and closed the door, locking it for good measure.

A few minutes later she appeared back with the others. She had taken her hair down and left the mass flowing gently down her back.

Cade could hardly breathe she was so beautiful.  He stood from where he was sitting and cupped her cheek gently with his palm. “You’re so beautiful. You take my breath away.”

She smiled and leaned into his palm for a moment. Turning she addressed the room, “If everyone will move to the dining room, dinner is ready
. Emma and Rose, would you please help me bring in the food?”

Isaac stood and gave Anna a warm, fatherly hug. “You are lovely, Anna, as always,” giving her a knowing wink.   

The party moved to the dining room and the Thanksgiving dinner was placed on the table. Six pairs of male eyes almost popped out of their heads.

Cade gazed at Anna, “You did all this? Everything looks and smells amazing.”

“I had a little help.” She glanced at Emma. “But, yes, the recipes are mine.”

She held out the carving knife to Isaac. “Would you like to honor us by carving the turkey?”

With a happy little grin Isaac inclined his head and accepted the honor.

Once the platters were loaded with sliced turkey, the feast began as the bowls and platters were passed around the table. Everything was perfect. The turkey was juicy and succulent, the mashed potatoes were rich and creamy, and Anna’s family recipe for hamburger dressing was the absolute hit of the meal.

Cade watched with pride as everyone piled their plates to overflowing. He leaned in and kissed Anna’s cheek gently. “You’ve done an amazing job, mon amour.”

He passed the mashed potatoes across her to Stefan, who gazed at them with a fierce longing. “Do I have to share these?” he asked.

Anna laughed. “Take as much as you want, there’s more in the kitchen.”

The room quickly filled with moans of delight as the men began eating.

Stefan was on his third helping of potatoes and gravy as the desserts were served.

Anna looked around the table at the men who were quickly becoming her new family. “I made my family’s favorites, pumpkin pie and strawberry rhubarb pie. I hope you like them.”

Thomas and John both said together, “Oh, yeah, Mom’s strawberry rhubarb pie is the absolute best.”

From the amount of damage done to the pies
when everyone was finished, Anna would take that as a yes.

Everyone sat back in their chairs, full and content. Now was the perfect time for their announcement.
“We’d like everyone’s attention for a minute.” Everyone quieted and waited to hear what Anna had to say. “Why don’t you tell them, babe?”

“
Mom, Dad, in about six months you’ll be grandparents,” Cade announced.

The cheering was deafening with everyone congratulating them.

Thomas and John high fived. “Is it a little brother or little sister, Mom?” John asked.

“
We don’t know yet, hun, I’m not sure if we want to find out ahead of time.” Anna was so happy the boys were taking their news so well.

“
Rose, do you think you will be able to stay long enough to see my baby into the world?” Anna really wanted her there.

“
You couldn’t keep me away.”

Isaac smil
ed with his heavy lidded eyes half closed with satisfaction. He stole a glance in Rose’s direction and gave Emma’s hand a gentle squeeze under the table.

“
Anna that was the most amazing meal. Your talents in the kitchen are second to none,” Emma said quietly. “Please let me know if I can be of any help to you with the pregnancy and if you would like a shopping partner for the baby, I offer my services.”

Anna could tell Emma was dying to start shopping.

“I can’t believe I ate so much. I couldn’t stop myself,” Cade said as he rubbed his extended stomach with a satisfied expression on his face.

“Yes, Anna, th
at was a true work of art,” Marcus agreed.

Rose sat quietly watching the family’s banter and interaction.

Dinner was cleared away and the party relocated to the great room again. The family was naturally drawn to Simon and his need for touch. Marcus instinctively sat in the chair close to Simon’s head, reached out and laid a hand on his brother’s shoulder. Simon’s sigh at the contact was soft, but all the wolves heard him.

The room was full of activity, loud, boisterous men doing what men do when you get a group of them together.

Stefan spotted Anna across the room with Rose. Walking over to the women, he wiggled his way between them and wrapped one arm around the shoulders of each woman. His wink at her and Rose had Anna shaking her head, he was incorrigible.

Instantly, Cade’s head jerked up, his eyes latched onto his brother. There was death in those eyes. It was deadly for another male to touch a pregnant mated female. Stefan stiffened when he saw his brother
’s threatening stare.

At the same instant, Simon
Le Beau went from what everyone thought was a catatonic state to full alert. He shot to a sitting position, nose sniffing the air, glaring at his brother with violence evident in his glare. Hidden from Rose’s view were Simon’s hands which had shifted into the deadly claws of his wolf as it forced its way to the surface.