Two for Protection (13 page)

Chapter Eighteen

Milo
sat in the chair he’d pulled close to the window as he debated whether or not
to call his Elders while his mates slept peacefully in the bed. He’d been putting
it off, but Ty needed a report. The lights decorating the sky bounced off
Courtney’s naked body as she snuggled tightly against Tad. Milo had done his
best to join them, but the thoughts racing in his mind wouldn’t quit.

The
Elders had depended on him to get the Minnesota Tigers on board as an ally. Instead,
he wondered if their presence had made things worse for Calvin. Everything in
him wanted to go back to the complex and knock some sense into Calvin. That
idiot would rather die than give up his position.

His
cell phone vibrated in his hand, a text message lighting the screen.
Report.
Received word of gunfire in Minnesota.
Unable to wait, he slipped from the
bedroom and called Ty.

“Is
everyone okay?” Ty demanded.

“We’re
at the hotel.”

“Then
you’re unaware there’s something going on at the complex.”

Loyalty
to Ty had him explaining things as if they didn’t matter to him. “Unaware
wouldn’t be the right word. Calvin is in no position to govern the clan. Either
our presence provoked this, or it was a coincidence, regardless it seems there
will be a new Alpha in charge of Minnesota by morning.”

“Then
you should return until things have calmed.”

“As we
were leaving our meeting with Calvin, there was an incident.”

“Incident?”

“We
were cornered by a group of the male clan members, and Christian seemed to be
in charge. He warned us this didn’t involve us. Which is when I explained we
wanted nothing to do with it, we were only there representing Tabitha. He made
it clear there’d be a new ruler by morning and asked me to stay to meet with
him.”

Ty
made a displeased noise that had Milo rethinking things for a moment. “I don’t
like you there when things are still unsettled within the clan, especially with
Courtney. If you walk into a trap, she’s an easy target.”

“We’re
very aware of that, but I don’t believe we’re in any harm. If I believed she
was in danger, we’d already be on our way back home.” Milo leaned against the
sofa in the small living room off the bedroom. “I believe the clan is already
following Christian. The men with him were looking to him for guidance. I’m
under the impression Calvin’s been having some issues with his clan for a while.
It’s gotten difficult enough that he barricaded himself on the third floor.”

“Interesting.
It doesn’t make sense that he wanted someone to come to him to discuss joining
us if he knew there was such an uproar with his followers.”

“Actually,
he had hopes to blackmail us into forcing his members to follow him. Either
that or he wouldn’t commit to Tabitha. He believed we needed his clan enough
that we’d do this for him.”

Ty’s
deep laughter seeped through the line, lightening Milo’s heart for a moment. “I
hope you told him…”

“That
we’d do no such thing. If you’ll allow us to stay here I believe I might be
able to get Christian as an ally.”

“Very
well. If you need additional backup, give me a call. I know Theodore is already
there, and there’s others I can call who are closer to your location and are
loyal to us if you need them.”

“Thank
you. I’ll be in touch when I have more information, and hopefully good news.”
Milo felt the weight being lifted off his shoulders with his Alpha’s anger no
longer a possibility. “If I may ask, how did you become aware of gunfire at the
complex?”

“I
told you there are those loyal to us. Minnesota has a number of members who are
devoted to Tabitha, and if their Alpha doesn’t commit they’re willing to leave
the clan to come here or to another devoted clan.” The happiness was clear in
Ty’s voice. “My mate has many supporters for her cause. Unfortunately, some of
them are in hiding because of their own Elders, but with time hopefully that
can be changed.”

“I had
no doubt Tabitha would take the tigers by storm. We couldn’t have chosen a
better person to do what she’s going to do if we were able to pick.”

Ty
laughed again. “Hurry back. Kallie and the women are planning a welcome dinner
for Courtney. They want to make her feel at home with all she’s been through.”

“Have
things been taken care of with Lisa?”

“Yes.
Hazel wiped her memories. Kenneth and his family are now Lisa’s neighbors,
which worked out nicely since we needed a place to put Kenneth so we could keep
an eye on him. With him knowing our secret, he might be valuable to us. Also,
Hazel and Tate are currently staying at the Browns’ island, until they can
determine what to do.”

The
bedroom door opened, letting light in from the window, revealing Courtney. “Are
you coming back to bed?”

Ty
must have heard her. “Go back to your mates. She’ll have a life she couldn’t
have without you, so never doubt that fate did the right thing by making her
your destiny. Don’t feel guilty. Jeffery would have killed her if you and Tad
hadn’t been there. Remember that next time the remorse returns.” With that, Ty
hung up.

The
Alpha was always in tune with the members of the clan. The stronger the
connection and devotion, the stronger the Alpha’s bond, which explained why Ty
knew what Milo was going through.

He
locked the phone screen and looked at Courtney. Her body was wrapped only in a
sheet, making him instantly hard. He held out a hand to her, and without
hesitation she came to him and pressed her body against his.

“Is
everything all right?”

“Ty
only wanted an update.” He reassured her, enjoying the feel of her body against
his.

“That
isn’t what I meant.” She pulled back enough to look at him. “We’ve all been
through a lot these last few days.”

He
nodded. “You more than any of us.”

“See,
I was going to say
you
more than any of us.” She pressed a finger
against his lips before he could remind her of Jeffery, Lisa, and all the shit
they’d overcome. “I don’t need to be reminded. Let’s just say you’re feeling it
the most. The guilt over what had to be done before we came here, now the loss
of Calvin. Everyone makes choices in life, and when those decisions are made
people have to live with it. Calvin made his, and we have to make ours. Letting
Calvin tear you apart like this isn’t healthy. Instead, let me show you how
much you mean to me.” She let the sheet drop away from her body.

His
shaft hardened, straining against the thin material of the shorts he’d thrown
on when he got out of bed. She dropped to her knees before him, sliding her
hand down the front of the shorts to take hold of his manhood. Gently tugging
it out, her hand caressed the length of him.

“Love.”
He tried to pull her back up to him.

“Let
me.” She leaned forward, kissing the tip of him before letting him slip between
her lips. Taking him between her lips, her hand worked at the base, and he
tangled his hand in the strands of her hair, holding her close.

Her
mouth worked up and down the length of him, milking the life out of him. Each
move made him weak.

“No.”
He nearly screamed, when all he wanted to do was let her finish. Her gaze
drifted up to him. “Not like this, I want to be inside you.”

She
let him slip from her mouth, and he pulled her up, lifting her to the back of
the sofa, his fingers pulling her legs apart until he had the access he needed.
His tiger refused to wait, and with one powerful thrust he slid into her
welcoming opening. She was tight without the foreplay, making each thrust full
of contact both pleasurable and painful.

His
teeth grazed along her neck as he worked himself deeper into her, her cries of
frustration filling the room, mixing with his own moans. With each thrust, his
heart sped with need and desire.

“Milo.”
She clenched her legs tightly around him.

He pressed
his lips over hers, claiming her cries with his mouth. Their breath became
ragged as he rocked in and out, finding the perfect rhythm, bringing ecstasy
within reach. His balls tightened with need, and he held his breath, waiting for
her to find her release before he allowed himself his own.

“Oh,
Milo.” She screamed, throwing her head back as she tightened around him and her
body exploded with pleasure. He continued to drive his shaft into her, until with
one final slam home his own release followed.

He
held her against his body, his shaft still nestled deep within her as they calmed.

* * *

Her
breath had just begun to return, when a throat cleared behind them.

“I
sleep, and the two of you are having fun without me.” Tad stood in the doorway,
his arms crossed over his chest, his own member standing at attention, a smile
teasing the corners of his lips.

“Come
to me.” She whispered and Milo moved to the side.

“I’m
not sure I can live up to the performance I just witnessed.” He came to stand
in front of her, his hands finding her hips.

“There’s
no judging.”

He
quickly lifted her off the sofa and lowered her onto his shaft, before spinning
around to press her back against the wall. “Still, I’ll do my best to make sure
my mate is pleased.” He lowered his head into the nook of her shoulder,
trailing a line of kisses along it until he reached her mouth. Claiming her
lips, he held her and drove himself into her.

He
intensified the pace, driving the tempo fast with each pump. The thrusts became
deeper and faster, moving with precision.

Tension
stretched her tighter until she came.

“Tad!”
Tipping her head back, she cried out, digging her nails into his back, arching
her body into his. He pumped twice more and shouted her name. Exhausted, she
sagged against the wall and Tad’s body.

“I
think we wore her out.” Tad glanced back at Milo, clearly satisfied with
himself.

“Yes.
Bed. Cuddle,” she demanded between gasps for breath.

Chapter Nineteen

Loud
banging woke Courtney from a deep sleep. She grumbled in annoyance. They hadn’t
slept very much, and their bodies weren’t used to the time change. Opening her
eyes, she glanced at the red glowing numbers of the bedside clock; it was just
after seven o’clock in the morning.

“Stay
in bed, I’ll deal with it.” Milo kissed her cheek before slipping out from
under the sheet.

“It’s
Quinn.” Tad mumbled.

“I can
deal with the black panther, and his anger.” Milo pulled on a pair of jeans.
“There’s no use in all of us getting out of bed.”

“I
don’t believe Quinn will see it that way.”

“Well,
I for one don’t care. You’re staying in bed with me.” Courtney ran her hand
along Tad’s chest, and Milo’s jealousy poured over them. “Hey, you’re the one
who offered to get the door.” She snuggled into Tad.

“The
sacrifices I make for the two of you.” Milo left with a huff.

“We’re
going to owe him for this.” Tad ran his hand along her spine in lazy strokes.

“
He
offered.”

“True,
but Quinn is pissed at us and Milo’s willing to take the brunt of the anger so
we can stay cuddled in bed.”

Knowing
Milo’s intention made her make a mental note to reward him later. “It’s unfair
he should have to deal with it alone.” She slipped out of bed, grabbing a robe
as she went. “I’m going out there.”

“I
thought we were going to stay and keep the bed warm.” He stood and slipped into
his jeans.

“I
can’t believe you! You went against everything I told you.” A deep voice cut
through the air as Courtney and Tad stepped into the living room.

“Courtney,
meet a very irritated U.S. Marshal, Quinn Evans,” Tad said.

“Irritated?”
Quinn snapped. “No, I’m beyond that. I’m livid! How dare you two?”

“I
would suggest you keep your voice down if you don’t want the neighbors to hear
you.” Milo sat on the sofa, watching Quinn, allowing him to have a fit before
attempting to defend himself.

“I
told you I needed him alive and you don’t listen. Now his accomplice is on the
verge of walking free.”

“We
did what we had to do, you’ve read the reports.” Tad followed her around the
sofa to Milo.

“I
should bring you both up on charges.”

Courtney
narrowed her eyes and glared at him. “How do you plan to do that when Sheriff
Lutz and, at the time, deputized Devon Brown have already stated it was done in
order to save the sheriff’s life? Would you have preferred another person be killed
just to keep your case alive?”

“Finding
them gave you spirit, Ms. Mathews.”

“Jeffery
had too many dead bodies in his trail, and no one was able to stop him before.
Why do you think that trial would have been any different? With an eye witness,
and DNA evidence, he was
still
out on bond harassing me.” She took Milo
and Tad’s hands in hers. “From where I’m standing, they did what needed to be
done to save not only the sheriff and Devon’s lives, but also mine, and anyone
else that crossed Jeffery. They should be rewarded, not hounded because of your
case.”

“You
do not understand the families need justice,” Quinn argued.

“They
got their justice with his death. He can’t hurt anyone else. You’re just pissed
this case slipped through your fingers because it could’ve made your career.”

“Where
was this courage of yours when he was hunting you down like a deer?” Quinn scowled
at her.

The
hatred in his eyes told her she’d made another enemy. Maybe not one who would
try to kill her as Jeffery had, but an enemy all the same. If their paths
crossed Quinn’s again, it wouldn’t be a happy reunion. He would never forget
this.

“That’s
enough, Quinn.” Milo stood. “If you’re going to attack our mate, then you can
leave.”

“I’ll
leave because I’ve had enough of your righteous attitude. Shifters are not
above the law, and they can’t kill people whenever they see fit, and orchestrate
things so it looks like it was done in self-defense. There
will
come a
time when I can see shifters behind bars for their crimes.” Quinn spun around
and stormed out the door.

“Dramatic
much?”

Milo
glanced at her before chuckling. “Quinn can be described as many things, but
that is definitely at the top of the list. He doesn’t like his plans messed
with, even if they work out better than he could have hoped. Sheriff Lutz
mentioned that Texas had pressure to drop the charges, from people in high
places. Jeffery was extremely well connected. It’s how he got off the hook from
his other brushes with the law.”

Knocking
on the door stole her opportunity to comment. “It can’t be Quinn again.” At
least she hoped not.

“No,
not Quinn.” Milo stood.

A
split second later, Tad pulled her to her feet and placed her behind him.
“What’s going on?”

“Just
to be safe,” Tad reassured her as Milo opened the door.

“Christian,
I expected a call not a personal visit.”

“I
wanted to inform you of the changes myself. May I come in?” Milo nodded,
stepping back and allowing Christian and another gentleman to enter. “This is
Greg, my Lieutenant.”

“It
would seem congratulations are in order.” Milo shut the door and stepped away.
Courtney realized he was staying away from them to make it impossible for
Christian to kill both him and Tad at once if things worsened, while staying
out of Tad’s way if he needed to pull his gun.

“I
gave Calvin the chance to step down, but he refused. Unfortunately, Tina…”

“Is
she okay?” Milo asked. “I can get a healer here quickly.”

Christian
shook his head. “During the fight, Tina tried to defend Calvin and she was
killed. It was an unfortunate and saddening incident. She was a valued member
of the clan until she began spending all her time with Calvin.”

“I’m
sorry for your loss.” She stepped to the side of Tad, enough to see Christian.

“Thank
you.” He nodded and turned to Milo. “I understand why you’re protective of her,
but we come here in peace. I would like to speak with you about our commitment
to the Queen of the Tigers.”

“Very
well please be seated.” Milo waved his hand to welcome them to the two chairs.

Courtney
ran her hand along Tad’s arm. “If you’ll excuse me, as I’m not really needed
for this, I’d like to get dressed.”

“I
apologize for coming this early, I had hoped to catch you since later I’ll be
busy dealing with things.”

Christian
didn’t need to explain; not only did he have to establish rule, but he also had
to bury their fallen members. Or rather, former members, since Calvin had lost
his fight for dominance.

* * *

The
sun was beginning to sink again, but this time it felt like the first day of
forever. Everything had fallen into place, and the following day they’d be back
in Alaskan. Milo had brought Christian and the Minnesota Tigers on board,
giving Tabitha and their clan a strong ally in the Midwest. It also gave Milo
more confidence in himself and in what he was doing.

In the
end, each of them had overcome their own troubled pasts. They were her mates.
Their strengths and weaknesses worked well together, each of them playing off
the other to form a prefect trio.

“What’s
on your mind, love?” Tad nuzzled her neck.

“Just
thinking how far we’ve each come in such a short time. I love you both.”

“As we
love you.” Milo’s fingers teased along her jawline.

She
had no doubt about that. They had already proven how much they cherished her.

Instead,
she whispered,
“Then show me…”