Finding Hope: Book Ten of the Running in Fear Series Read online

“This is going to hurt you, Hope, and I’d give anything for it not to. But our women knew what we went through in training our gifts, the toll it took on our bodies. That is why many of them volunteered to be there for us. I don’t know how to explain this, but we are a very sexual race. Having a woman in our arms and loving her gently brought us down from the training of the day. No, there was no love at first.” Fand glanced at Jester, who nodded. “But we did get attached to Tara and felt protective of her Do we love her now? No. I still feel protective of her because she helped us through our rough period and I’ll always be grateful, but I don’t want her that way anymore. You are the only one we want to bury ourselves in. I want to say I feel like an older brother to her now, but that would sound…” He made a face and Hope laughed.

  “Yeah, I get that,” Hope sighed. “This is going to be awkward and it hurts, I won’t lie. But you three need to finish it with Tara. We’ll go from there,” Hope said, leaving the room, using the gift they had given her.

  Tara stood in her place, looking surprised. “What am I doing here?” she asked.

  “Why did you come here, Tara? Last time we saw you, things were going well for you,” Gourd said, sitting back and studying the woman.

  Tara glanced back at Jester and Fand, who now leaned against the door watching, waiting. She took a deep breath and faced him head on, just like she did before, even though Gourd knew he intimidated her to this day. “About two months ago in Earth time, things started to change on our world. The queen did little things that didn’t make sense. A lot of us blew it off till she found out about the volunteer program.” Tara shook her head and whistled.

  “You should have seen her, Gourd. She was livid that her mates had used a volunteer while in training. We were lucky that she didn’t learn about who volunteered for her mates. She demanded that all the volunteers’ names be posted for everyone to see, to shame us for helping you. Volunteers who are now mated have been embarrassed and harassed.” Tara looked toward the door. “Many are leaving the planet, looking for other places to live in peace, like me. But before I could leave, the queen found out about me and made sure I came here.”

  Jester hissed. “This is a mess. Do you know what could happen if out warriors are not trained right?”

  “I know, and it’s being taken care of. Luca appeared and sat next to Gourd. “Our father has taken over leadership, because at this time we must concentrate on our mate. We are not going back to our planet. We are on our way to our mother’s world, hoping to get some help for Birdie.”

  “Tara speaks the truth. It’s a mess and I’m afraid I didn’t see what was happening until things were way out of control. I’ve stepped down and Father has issued Seiliu. Warriors have been called to take control of their family units. All posts about the volunteers have been taking down, and the warriors who were in training have been sent home till things settle. We’ve never been a society of judgment, and Father will not stand for it,” Luca said, looking up at Tara. “I’m sorry, Tara. My wife shouldn’t have forced you to come. If we had known, I would have made sure you were okay with this.”

  Tara shrugged. “One good thing has come of this. I have realized that two of my mates are here, so maybe it’s a good thing. Gourd, I’m sorry this has hurt your woman. I never meant for this to happen.”

  Gourd nodded and glanced toward Fand and Jester. In his heart, Hope was solid there was no Tara in his life. “Fand, Jester?” Gourd asked, and both men shook their head.

  “Little Bear is our heart,” Jester said. “It just hurts inside to know that I caused the doubt in her heart.”

  “You are not the only one. We will have much to make up to our woman,” Fand said. “Tara, I’m glad you have found part of your family. You deserve the best.”

  Gourd turned to his brother. “What is wrong with Birdie? She was never this vindictive or judgmental.”

  “On Birdie’s planet, women are forbidden from having more than five children. If they have more than that, they start behaving strangely. I guess some women got so swept up in the darkness that affects them that a number of individuals were killed.”

  The door to their home slid opened and Hope stepped in with Jaycee and Suzanne. “On Earth there is a thing called postpartum depression. Many women have suffered from it, and we have medication and people to help them. Maybe our human doctor, Doc Marsh, could take a look at your wife. You would be surprised at some of the medical advances we have made. We’re not totally backward,” Hope said, starting at Tara the whole time.

  Stepping forward, Hope took Tara’s hands. “I’m sorry you were forced here, but like you said, it’s a good thing if you found your mates.” Hope glanced at Gourd. “And I found out that my men have no desire for someone they once knew.” She turned back to Tara. “So we’re dying of curiosity. Who are these men? We might be able to help find them.”

  Tara stepped back, looking shocked. “You’d help me after I brought you pain?” she asked and looked at Gourd. “You three are indeed lucky. Don’t screw it up.”

  That earned a laugh out of Jaycee and Suzanne. “And here I wanted to hate her, damn,” Jaycee mumbled and Suzanne snorted.

  Hope glanced at Jaycee with a smirk that Gourd was coming to love. “I told you something wasn’t right. I always go with my gut. Now, we need names, because we’re going to make whoever they are work to get your attention.”

  Gourd stood, reached over to Hope and yanked her into his arms, then worked her silly braid out of her hair. “Keep your hair free, Little Bear. Now, why do you think these men should be tortured by you ladies?”

  “Who said anything about torture? I just think a man should court their lady. We sure didn’t get any courting, but there was one romantic time, the one with all the flowers. But really if you think about it, none of us really got any courting. Someone or thing was either trying to kill, hurt or hurt us,” Hope grumbled.

  Gourd leaned down and nibbled on her lower lip. “So you don’t think we courted you, do you?”

  Suzanne snorted. “Not one of you men have courted us. Ever since all of this has started. It’s like,’ hurry, hurry, have to mate with her, give her babies.’” She didn’t notice Dominic was behind her till he wrapped his hand in her hair and yanked her head back to see his furious gaze. “‘Hurry, hurry, make babies’? I believe that is a little harsh, no?” he growled.

  Suzanne stomped on his foot, which had him releasing her hair.” Harsh? When was the last night every single one of you had dinner with me? Hell, even at night one of you is gone. How about simply watching a movie or spending time out there with us for the pajama party? Tell me, where’s Blair?”

  Next to her Jaycee nodded. “The last time all of my men were with me at the same time was for the birth of our children.” Jaycee sighed. “Not one meal together. Maybe we should do a date night once a week. We could do it on opposite nights, even, to help watch the children,” Jaycee said, noticing Remi behind her.

  “You all know the responsibilities we all have here, Jaycee,” Remi said.

  “I know and understand, but if you do not take time for our family, it to can erode. Each of us need to bond as a family unit Remi. But hell, even on Earth we had date night. I don’t see why one night of the week all of us can’t do something together, like play cards, watch a movie, have dinner or something.”

  Hope turned in Gourd’s arms, her attention on Tara. “Sorry for all this, but it’s been a little crazy here. I don’t know when things will settle down. Hence the pajama party tonight. We wanted to give the children a little normalcy. So tell us who the lucky men are, please.” Hope batted her eyes and Gourd couldn’t help but laugh.

  “Yes tell us. we might be able to smooth the path for you,” Gourd said.

  “I didn’t see them, but I felt them in the room. I keep getting the names Seth and Grant. Do you know them?”

  “Oh, this is good, really good.” Jaycee rubbed her hands together. “Hope, we need pajamas on our new friend. I was thinking
Mrs. Claus, but red and silky like this,” Jaycee said, showing Hope a picture in her head now that they could connect as she did with her mates.

  “Okay, what just happened? Can you speak with Jaycee?” Gourd asked.

  Remi sighed, “The women have formed some kind of personal link. They see things and know things from the planet and from each other. Jaycee, Suzanne, Lissa, Valda and now Hope will always have his connection. Even we will feel their bond sometimes, especially when one of them is hurt,” Remi said and groaned, seeing the outfit Hope put on Tara.

  “I think it needs white around the neck, and white satin slippers,” Hope said, tilting her head to the side.

  “Let’s not forget bells. Maybe bell earrings,” Suzanne said.

  “You ladies are enjoying this a little too much,” Jester grumbled.

  Jaycee looked at Jester with a sad smiled. “Grant and Seth have had it rough. They are trying to rebuild. So you see, we want Tara to have a little courting here, because if I’m not mistaken, after she gets to Earth, Tara’s not going to have much time to do anything. She’s not going to know anyone, and on top of that half the buildings are destroyed.” Jaycee shook her head. “Maybe it would be better for Tara to stay here till they can secure a decent home for her. I hate to bring this up, but humans are not going to accept her as much as they are accepting our kind.”

  Tara frowned. “But I should be with my mates, helping them, like you help your men.”

  Suzanne laughed, taking Tara’s hand as Hope took the other and led them toward the door. “You will find out quickly that our men are very protective. They’d rather do everything themselves than risk us.” Suzanne glanced at Dominic.

  “As it should be,” Dominic said.

  Gourd jumped and reached for his knife when Marsha raced around the corner and winked at him. “Sorry, but I wanted to reassure your brother that Doc Marsh, Doc Source and myself will be able to help you with your mate,” she told Luca. “So, you are free to stay here if you choose.”

  * * *

  Hope stood there, thinking. Did she want Birdie there living close to her? She looked up at Gourd, then at his brother who looked shocked, though a small smile reached his eyes. Hope then knew he needed to stay here with his brother. “Please, Luca, talk with your partners and stay. It will be a new beginning for all of us. We have the means to help Birdie, so why not give it a shot? Not to mention your daughter will be here.”

  Luca glanced at the other ladies, who nodded. “Don’t worry so much. We’ll help you keep Birdie in line,” Suzanne said.

  “When did you start being so aggressive?” Dominic snarled, but Hope knew from the change of his eye color that King Landon was close to the surface.

  “She’s pregnant, that is what I wanted to tell you too. It seems all of us are pregnant again. Now I don’t know if this place is making our men’s little spermies superheroes or what, but I tell you what, I better get a few years’ rest after four children in two in a half years,” Marsha growled. “I mean, I’m all for reproducing, but at a much slower rate.”

  “And how do you know it’s our superhero spermies? It could be your eggs trapping our little guys,” Ben said, coming up behind her, wrapping his arms around her and nibbling on her neck.

  “You’re lucky I let you touch me, but I swear ever since the change started,” Marsha’s face heated and Jaycee laughed.

  “He’s a studmuffin,” Jaycee teased.

  “Stud something,” Marsha grumbled as they all headed toward the commons again.

  Hope smiled at the couple and so hoped to have that kind of commitment with her men. Marsha turned to her and winked. “You’ll have it. You already have the bond growing there. But believe me, we have had our ups and downs. Every couple does.”

  “Marsha speaks the truth, Little Bear,” Gourd said, sliding his arm around her and hugging her tight against him, kissing the side of her neck.

  “I hope so, but how did you hear her? I thought the connection for the women…well was between us.” Hope frowned, looking at Jaycee who stopped.

  “It’s supposed to be. Suzanne?” Jaycee growled.

  But Jaycee didn’t have to say a word. A little bit of fire and smoke sprouted from Suzanne’s mouth as she spun and faced Dominic and what appeared to be King Landon.

  “You! You couldn’t leave well enough alone!” Suzanne stomped her foot. “Damn it, Dominic, how could you do this? It’s not like we don’t share everything we talk about with you anyway,” she snapped, her skin starting to change.

  “Pull it back now, Temmra, or I will. Now is not the time or place to get into this,” King Landon growled.

  “Really? When, then? When you are in control? Every time we have a disagreement, you think sex is going to keep me happy. Now look, we have another four, yes four, little ones coming when the little ones we have now are not even past the terrible twos. Not to mention the little buggers are rough on the damn boobs.” Suzanne crossed her arms over her chest, glaring at Dominic.

  Dominic frowned as he pulled Suzanne into his arms. “What’s wrong, really, Little Dragon?” he asked before placing a kiss on her forehead.

  Suzanne rested her head on his chest. “Dominic, it’s hard. I don’t mean to whine, I really don’t, but I’m tired. I get one child settled and another is crying. I love our babies.” She placed her hand on her belly. “Even these little guys.” She looked up at him. “But I can’t do it by myself.” She held up her hand stopping his words. “Yes, you four are wonderful, and most likely better than any human man ever could be, but Dominic, most of the time you and Blair are dealing with our people while Castor helps his son, and Archer is getting his groups settled. I want a damn nanny,” Suzanne growled.

  “As a matter of fact, if were all having babies, we could all use one.” Suzanne looked at Hope. “If Lissa and I are having four babies each, how many are Hope and Valda going to have? I mean, she already has four babies to look after,” Suzanne asked as they all stepped into the commons.

  Dominic glanced at Gourd, who sighed, and Hope knew what he would have to say would be big. She turned, giving him her full attention. “It would seem Valda and Hope will be having quintuplets, Earth people call it, or five babies.”

  “Five!” Valda yelled from across the room, then turned her growl toward Owen. “You knew this and said nothing?”

  Hope just stood there looking down at her belly. She was larger than a normal woman, but five cubs? Nine children?

  “Hope?” Gourd stepped in front of her and cupped her cheek, staring down at her. “We will find help.”

  Her bear rose inside her and hair started to push thorough her skin as she growled. “We are not having a young woman in our home. Maybe a man nanny.”

  Gourd stiffened as he Jester and Fand snarled. “There will be no other man in our home,” he said.

  “Then you will keep your…” Her words died as she looked down and saw that Isabela, Sasha, Mandy and Baron had all surrounded her, hugging and touching her, looking scared.

  With a deep breath, Hope reached down and scooped Isabela up into her arms. “I’m okay, little cubs. Just a little shocked by all that has happened. Seems things are moving faster than even I predicted they would.” She rubbed her cheek against her little kitty’s head.

  “I might have a solution for all of you, if you would consider it,” Mrs. Whitefields said, standing in front of them smiling.

  Gourd stepped to Hope’s side. “Anything will help,” he said, nodding to Mrs. Whitefields.

  “Well, you know we have eight older teens living with us at the home.” Mrs. Whitesfields sighed. “Each one is fabulous with the little ones, but I’m afraid with them being older…”

  “Everyone is looking for younger children,” Lissa said, joining their group with Nikola.

  “Well, Aurora took Trish, but she still comes to help with the little ones. All of them are good, and I know they would help out. Maybe you could pay them for helping?” she suggested.

&n
bsp; “That just seems wrong on both fronts,” Hope said. “I don’t care how old a child is, he or she has a right to have a life and a family, not just to help us with the babies.”

  Mrs. Whitesfield stepped forward. “Hope, those four children I was talking about earlier, two of them are teens.”

  Hope growled. “I so want to tear Oliver Tayden a new—” She caught herself, looking down at her little kitten in her arms. “Well, you know what I meant.” Hope looked at Gourd, then at Valda, who was moving toward them. “Each of us has a wing, right? Are there any other bears down our corridor?”

  “No, they all elected to stay closer to the surface. I had to keep from wanting to rip the adults apart, just for the safety of the children alone,” Valda growled.

  “Mrs. Whitefields, I’d like to meet all four of the children, please,” Hope said.

  Gourd laughed and hugged her. “You’re bringing them all home, aren’t you?”

  “Well, I’m not going to allow those fools to hurt the cubs anymore.” She growled, but smiled. “We’ll have a great baseball team, that’s for sure.”

  Lissa, Jaycee, Suzanne and Marsha all laughed as Shelly stepped forward. “Why don’t you bring all the older children to us over there as we get ready for storytime?” she said, holding on to the two little ones she had adopted.

  “Excellent,” Mrs. Whitesfield said, turning to round up the children as they all moved toward the tables and chairs.

  Hope glanced back at Luca. “If you do decide to stay here, you can see it’s going to be very lively, to say the least. Why don’t you go spend time with Birdie? I know you want to. We’ll be here if you need us, and please, Luca, think about staying. I really believe the doctors and Marsha can help Birdie.”

  Luca smiled and placed a kiss on her cheek. “You are an amazing woman for one so young, and these children will be very lucky to have you as a mother.” He nodded to Gourd. “We will speak later. Have a good evening,” he said before moving toward his family’s temporary home.

  “Thank you, Little Bear,” Gourd said before placing a kiss on her lips and moving to help arrange the chairs and tables.