Read Called by the Bear 4-6 Online
Authors: V. Vaughn
Called by the Bear 4-6 (11 page)
C
arly
I
glance
at the green glow of the stove clock to make a mental note so I can time my contractions.
Brady and I go to the door to greet the Robichaux.
He opens it and says, “Welcome.”
Marion and I exchange cool kisses on the cheek, but it’s awkward because of the size of my belly. Richard takes my hand to give it a poor attempt at a squeeze instead of exchanging hugs.
Marion speaks to me in my head.
“Goodness, dear, you must be so uncomfortable. We should have entertained you.”
While I appreciate the sentiment, I’m skeptical about the intent. I can’t resist getting in a dig.
“Thanks, but I have a great family who make my life easy. It was no trouble.”
Brady offers the Robichaux drinks and goes to get them while I lead the way to the dining room.
Richard’s eyes are hard as he says,
“Carly, you must be ready to have those babies. What an exciting time.”
“It is. And yes, I’m ready for these children to be born.” Another contraction hits me as Brady enters the room with cocktails. I place my hand on my stomach as if I’m thinking about the babies and offer a smile, but it’s an attempt to ease the pain.
I slip out of the room as if I’m going to get something, but I’m anxious to check the clock. The intensity of my contraction this time makes me think it’s not false labor. Ten minutes. I’m still good. I take a deep breath and focus on staying relaxed until the cramping subsides.
Brady communicates with me. “
Another kick?”
I grab a box of matches as I avoid a lie with my reply.
“These babies are anxious to get out.”
When I return to the dining room, Brady stands next to me and rubs my lower back as he speaks to the Robichaux. “Have you heard that Victor is married?”
Richard nods as Marion asks, “Yes, to one of the girls you called, correct?”
I strike a match, and the smell of sulfur burns my nose. I answer before lighting the candles, “Yes. And I’m worried sick for her.”
Marion says, “I’m sure you are, especially after he kidnapped your friend.” She takes a sip of her wine, then says, “Nice rescue, by the way. My warriors tell me it was smoothly executed.”
Brady replies, “Thank you. They’re well trained.”
Richard swirls liquid in his oversized glass and says, “Indeed. We could learn a thing or two from you.”
I watch as blood red wine stains his lips.
Marion scowls, and I suspect she’s reprimanding him telepathically. But I don’t ponder it too long because another contraction hits.
This time, I can’t hide it from Brady, and he speaks in my head.
“You’re in labor, aren’t you?”
“Yes, but it’s not time to go yet. Let’s get the business discussion out of the way first.”
Marion speaks to me, too.
“Carly, are you feeling okay?”
I don’t answer and focus on Brady as he speaks. “Marion.” He pauses then says, “Richard. I think we all know that Victor poses a serious threat to our peaceful existence. Carly and I would like to propose that our families form an alliance to stand strong against the Veilleux.”
Marion’s face gets hard, and I see the fierce leader she is as she replies, “We’ve been discussing this, as well. I think it’s high time we ruled together as one clan instead of separate factions.”
I say, “Yes. But for political reasons we should invite the Veilleux to be involved. Perhaps a leadership council? While we all know they won’t be receptive, every attempt for peace should be made. ” A strong contraction makes me wince.
Marion says, “Goodness! Carly, are you having contractions?”
I nod as I blow out my breath slowly.
Richard takes my drink from hand and says, “Well, get yourselves to the hospital. Clan business can wait.” He pats Brady on the back. “We can see ourselves out. You’ve got more important things to do.”
Marion takes my hand, and her look of concern would be touching if I still thought I mattered beyond being her alpha descendent. She says, “You let me know if I can do anything.”
I nod because I’m afraid my compromised emotions might let me say something unbefitting of a leader. A sudden thought occurs to me, and I speak to Marion.
“Does Richard know I’m the next Robichaux alpha?”
“Yes, that’s why he’s willing to go along with your proposition.”
I glance over at Richard and say,
“We’ll be in touch to continue this discussion. This needs to happen soon.”
Marion lets out a low growl and says, “Yes. It does.”
Though I’m tempted to growl back, I refrain and focus on breathing as another contraction takes over.
“Brady, we need to hurry. I think I waited too long.”
His feet beat frantically as he jogs up the stairs for my bag, and I follow the Robichaux out the door. Richard holds the passenger door of our Hummer open for me. It’s a polite gesture I don’t quite trust. While he’s never been rude to me, I can’t help but think he doesn’t think I’m good enough for him, even if I am his clan’s next leader. The thought makes my reply curt. “Thank you.”
He looks down at me in the car and says, “No, thank you. You’ve made your mother happier than I’ve ever known her to be.”
Wait. What? His expression doesn’t quite go with his words, but
another contraction distracts me. Richard shuts my door, and I moan.
Brady jumps in the car and pulls out before the Robichaux can. “I’ll get you there in under five minutes. Hang on.”
I clutch the handle above the window. “I’m trying, but I think we might have three alphas.” My voice wavers as the muscles in my belly clench. Warmth spreads between my legs. “My water just broke. They’re not waiting.”
The tires of the Hummer squeal as Brady takes a tight corner way too quickly. I start to giggle and speak between my pants. “Oh, God. Why can’t we. Do anything. Normally?”
He pulls into the hospital parking lot, where I see an orderly with a wheelchair waiting at the entrance. The man runs to open my door as Brady says, “Because life with you is an adventure.”
***
D
onna was right
. Childbirth was painful, but nothing I couldn’t handle after going through the change to become a werebear. The babies came within minutes of our arrival at the hospital, and it was as smooth as one could hope.
Tears well up in my eyes as Brady and I hold our three precious children. He whispers, “I feel like my heart is going to burst with love for them.”
I let moisture roll down my cheeks. “Me, too.” Only my heart isn’t going to burst; it’s managed to grow big enough to contain it all. My daughter’s tiny hand grasps my finger. “They’re the most beautiful things I’ve ever seen.”
I yawn, and Brady smiles down at me as he stands. “Connell, Everett, and Audrey?”
I reach up to touch his arm. “Yes. Thank you.”
He places our children one by one in the bassinet before leaning down to kiss me. “Thank you for believing in dreams. You’ve brought me more joy than I knew was possible. I love you, Carly Le Roux.”
“I can’t imagine my life any other way. I love you, too.” I glance over at my sleeping babies. “Let’s do this again.”
Brady chuckles. “Okay, but I may need some time to forget the pain. That really sucked.”
I grin. “Wimp.”
“You know it.” He kisses the top of my head. “Time for Mommy to sleep. I’m going to spend some quality time with my children.”
He rolls the babies out of the room, and I close my eyes. I recall my very first vision of the man with green eyes and broad shoulders. That man has made dreams come true. I fall asleep with a smile.
S
ierra
M
y stomach churns
as I process what I just heard when the doctor’s office called with my blood test results. I’m carrying Victor’s children. I want to throw up, thinking about the fact I need to tell Ashton. He says it doesn’t matter, but how can it not?
Shit.
He should be home from training soon, and I need to make lunch. The drawer rattles as I pull it open to find a can opener for the tuna. I’m supposed to get married in a week to a man I can’t live without. I know he feels the same way, because that’s how true mates work. But fate’s cruel. He shouldn’t end up with a woman carrying another man’s children.
I forcefully whisk mayonnaise into the tuna. When I hear the rumble of Ashton’s motorcycle, I slam down the bowl and toss the whisk into the sink. The clatter is loud, and if it hadn’t splattered mayo everywhere, it would have been satisfying. “Fuck!”
Ashton enters the kitchen just as I start to wipe up my mess. “Hey, what’s wrong?”
I sigh and turn to his concerned gaze. “The babies are Victor’s.”
“Oh, babe.” He grabs my wrist to pull me against his chest. Strong arms hug me tightly, and I’m on the verge of tears. He says, “I’m sorry.”
I pull away and tilt my head up to him. “I’m the one that’s sorry. You don’t have to marry me and deal with my evil spawn.”
“What?” He starts to chuckle but stops to wipe a tear from my cheek. “Don’t do that to yourself.” Ashton lifts me to sit on the kitchen counter and wraps my legs around his waist. Nuzzling my neck, he whispers, “Those children are part of you. How could I not love them?”
“But they’re—”
“Shh, they’re going to be wonderful, because we’ll raise them to be.” He nibbles my ear, and desire builds in me.
“You’re making it hard to think.”
“That’s the plan. Don’t you know now that I’ve found you, I’m never letting go?”
A
light breeze
blows through the window, and classical music carries into the guest room of Carly’s house. August can be hot in Maine, but the heat wave broke a couple days ago, and my outdoor wedding couldn’t have more perfect weather. Red lipstick glides easily over my lips, and I smack them. The door snicks open behind me, and I glance into the mirror to see Carly.
“Wow, you’re radiant. Let me see the whole dress.”
I stand to face her, and she says, “Damn girl, you define strapless.”
Her approval makes me grin. “You don’t think it’s too sexy?”
“Nope. It’s fabulous.”
I walk over to peek out the window at the garden below. Blue ribbons tied on bushes along the path stand true against the color of flowers. Donna, Annie, and Ashton’s parents are sitting in white chairs. Each woman has a baby in her lap while the pastor, an older gentleman, talks to Ashton’s father. “Is everything ready?”
“It is, and wait till you see the triplets. They’re all dressed up for the occasion.”
“Annie?”
“Yup. She found tiny suits for the boys, and Audrey’s in a party dress.”
“Thank you so much for making this work so soon after giving birth. You must be exhausted.”
“I am tired, but not enough for you to put off your wedding. Destiny gave you Ashton, and you need to seal the deal.” She picks up my bouquet and hands it to me. “Come on. Your groom is waiting.”
The sweet scent of roses wafts by as we walk down the hall. I think I should be nervous, but I feel as if it’s Christmas morning, and I can’t wait to open my gift. I’m about to become Mrs. Ashton Le Mercier. “Hey, Carly?”
“Yeah?”
“Thanks for taking me on a crazy road trip. The sexy bears are worth it.”
She snorts, “They sure are.”
When we step out the back door, a wedding march begins to play. Ashton and Ian are standing at the end of the path. My gaze locks with my mate, and I barely feel Carly take my arm. Ashton’s tuxedo is tailored to fit him perfectly, and those broad shoulders and large arms of his make me long to be held. My gaze moves to his blue eyes that glimmer with the love that’s pulsing through my veins.
The pastor speaks about love, honor, and other things I don’t hear as I wait anxiously to say my vows. I focus when it’s Ashton’s turn to speak.
He takes my hands and smiles at me. “My darling Sierra, the moment I saw you, my darkness fell away. You may think I saved you, but the truth is, you saved me.” He places one of my hands over his heart and holds it tightly. “I, Ashton Le Mercier, take you to be my wife. I promise to protect, cherish, and honor you until the day I die.” He pulls my hand away from his chest and places a gold band on my finger.
Tears make my vision blurry, and I blink them back. “Ashton, my love for you was instant, and I knew immediately you were my true mate. What I didn’t know was that overwhelming feeling was only a seed that would continue to grow. I love you more today than I did yesterday, and I’m going to love you more tomorrow. I, Sierra Steel, take you to be my husband. I promise to protect, honor, and cherish you until the day I die.”
After I push the ring onto his finger, Ashton crushes me against his chest and kisses me.
Our family laughs as the pastor says, “And you’re kissing the bride.”
When Ashton and I break away, Carly hugs me. “This is the life you deserve, honey. Enjoy it.”
“Thank you.”
Ian kisses me on the cheek. “Welcome to the family.”
More hugs and laughter are exchanged before Donna urges us to sit. One large table has been set for a catered meal. I smile, knowing this is perfect for my serious mate who hates to draw attention to himself. Champagne bubbles in glasses as Ian stands to make a toast.
He glances at me. “Sierra, my brother used to be a fun, hell-raising kind of guy. But he grew up and decided to serve our country.” Ian places a hand on Ashton’s shoulder. “The Navy figured out right away they had a treasure and trained him to do the most difficult job.” He winks at the table. “Of course, if I told you what it was, I’d have to kill you.”
Laughter erupts, and it fades when Ian continues. “Ash paid a price and came back to us a serious man. I wasn’t sure he remembered the carefree spirit he used to be.” Ian moves from beside Ashton to behind me and places a hand on my shoulder. “Thank you for making him smile and laugh. You really did save him, and don’t ever forget you are what makes him whole.” He bends down and kisses my cheek. Then he whispers, “Just love him. That’s all he needs.”
I turn to my husband and could swear I see moisture in his eyes. Glasses start to ring with the sound of cutlery tapping against them, and I lean in to kiss Ashton.
He speaks to me telepathically,
“He’s right. Just love me.”
“You might as well ask me to breathe.”
Carly gets up from her seat next to me and raises her hands. “Okay, my turn.” I cover my face and get the chuckles I expected. “Ashton may have been a hell-raiser, but Sierra was hell-bent on adventure.” She nudges me. “You have her to thank for us being here, because I would have turned around somewhere near Colorado.”
I shake my head as she continues. Carly tips her glass toward Ashton. “Sierra is more than adventurous. She’s the kindest nurturing soul I know. She would give up her life for those she loves.” Her voice cracks, and she takes a minute before she speaks again. “Thank you for saving my friend. Please protect her, always.”
Plates clash as two waiters start serving salads. A hand darts in front of me and places a pale-turquoise box on my bread plate. The young man says, “Ma’am, this was just delivered, and I was told to give it to the bride.”
“Thank you.”
I pick up the box and turn it in my hands as Carly says, “That looks like it’s from Tiffany’s.”
A small card is attached to the bottom with tape, and I peel it off. I open it. The note reads, “To a promising future.”
“That’s odd. There’s no name.” I open the box to reveal one silver baby rattle inside. The metal is cold in my hand when I lift it. And the chill fills me with fear when I find the letter
V
is engraved on it.
Ashton grabs it from my hand and growls as he crushes the hollow metal. “How dare he?”
While I know Victor can’t talk in my head any longer, I swear I hear his laughter.
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