The Forgotten One Read online

  Willow glanced at her mother. She appeared to be in her early 30’s to humans, but in reality she was well over 500 years old. With her long thick wavy hair sweeping down to her ass, Laurann drew eyes everywhere they went.

  With olive coloring skin, rare for any fay, but not Cheetah shifters, her mother was stunning. Willow tripped and almost fell, her mother and son started to laugh. “You’re not paying attention, daughter, and I thank you for your thoughts, but I don’t want to see you flat on your face,” her mother teased, before stopping and tensing up. She slowly scanned the street they were on.

  Not wasting any time, Willow once more placed the spell over her and her son, making sure no one would recognize who they really were. Her mother followed suit.

  “They’re here, I can smell them. The dark ones, your brothers and sisters. It seems they are going to great your sister. How did they know she was coming?” her mother asked, once more moving down the street, watching and knowing the danger had passed now that their true identity was covered.

  Whoever leaked this information was too close to her friends and family. Willow growled and scanned their surroundings. From what she could tell, there was at least ten who were there that might cause trouble. “Someone close has betrayed them than because I know for a fact Lars and Gage protect her well.” She looked at her mother and Laurann nodded.

  “Call your sister and warn her. We’ll figure this out together. I want to meet these men and it won’t hurt for them to court you properly here where I can watch.” Laurann glanced down at her son. “Dylan needs to get to know them too.” Her mother turned towards their favorite hotel.

  “Who? We having company?” Her son asked, all excited about guests coming over.

  “We’ll see, baby.” Lydia sucked in her breath and pulled out her phone. At once Willow noticed the calls she’d missed. Over 20 of them, and half of them from Alton and Maxim. “Here it goes, but if they mess up, I’m gutting them,” she mumbled and her mom smiled.

  “Of course, dear,” she said and Willow snorted.

  Not even bothering to listen to the messages, Willow punched in Tamara’s private number and waited, but she didn’t have to wait long.

  “Where the hell are you?” her sister and best friend asked. “Do you know how crazy Maxim and Alton are going?” she asked. “Are you okay?”

  “I’m fine, Tamara, but I wanted to call and warn you there is a leak in security there. You’re going to make a trip to New Orleans and your brothers and sisters are waiting for you to arrive. I wanted to let you know before you got here. Have Lars and Gage bring you the Hotel Monteleone if you still want to come. I’ll make sure there is a room for you three, and it will be protected. I’ll explain when you get here, sister,” she said and hung up the phone.

  “It’s done. They’ll be here soon,” she said, as they made their way to the hotel her mother protected. Not one of her brothers and sisters would be able to enter the building if they carried the dark seed from their father.

  With the tugging on her hand, Willow looked down at her son. “Mommy, who’s coming?” he asked again as they stepped into the hotel lobby and almost ran into the two she had been dredging.

  “Damn, they’re quick,” her mother said, smiling at her.

  Kneeling down in front of her son, Willow smiled at him. “These two men in front of me are my bonding mates, Dylan. If I decide to bond with them, they will be your stepfathers. But your aunt is also coming soon. You’ll love her.” She glanced at the two behind her and nodded to them.

  “Alton, Maxim, I’d like you to meet my son and my mother, Laurann Drango.” Both of them released the spell that protected them, knowing they were safe in the hotel, showing exactly who they were.

  No one said a word, until her mother stepped forward, placing herself in front of Willow. “Do you have a problem with my daughter now that you know who she truly is?” A bit of a growl came out and Dylan started to crawl into her arms as she stood, turning to stare at the ones who could destroy her.

  “Why is Grandma growling?” he whispered. “Did the big men do something bad?”

  Maxim bowed to her mother and smiled at the boy. “We were rude and I apologize for that. My name is Maxim Evens, but I have a feeling you already know this? I must say I’m impressed with what you have done here.” Maxim waved his hand, indicating the hotel. “It must have taken some time to protect such a large area.”

  “I have my ways. I’ve heard of you, Maxim, a long time ago. Why should I trust you with my daughter when so many of your people turned their back on us?” She nodded to Alton who stood there staring at her. “And what is up with him?”

  Willow placed her hand on her mom, and squeezed it before stepping around the two. “His wife was murdered by the psycho other I was telling you about.” She stepped around Alton and Maxim with Dylan in her arms. “I’ll set up the reservations for Tamara.” She called over her shoulder. It was obvious to her that Alton still had issues with Baal’s siblings. Well, that was fine by her, she didn’t need them here anyway, but Willow only got a few steps before Alton placed his hand on her shoulder, stopping all movement.

  “I’m sorry Lydia, you just shocked me,” Alton said stepping around her to stand in front of her. His fingers touched her neck and cheek before he dropped his hand, sending a chill up her spine.

  “Mommy, why is he calling you Lydia? Doesn’t he know your real name?” Her son turned to Alton. “My mommy’s name is Willow,” he told Alton and Maxim who moved beside Alton.

  “Very interesting indeed?” Lars stated, coming over to join his grandfather and Maxim.

  She moaned and glanced back at her mother, who laughed. “It was her way of protecting us,” Laurann stated and nodded, taking her son out of her arms. “Go tell… Oh never mind, here he comes. Manuel, how are you doing?” her mom asked, as he leaned down and kissed the side of Willow’s cheek, earning a growl from Alton and Maxim, but he ignored them.

  “You have been gone too long, little one. Your momma has missed you. Now, what brings you here and who are the men breathing down my neck?” he asked, always protective of her and her mom.

  “We need the suite please for my sister and her husbands. Lars Cooper, this is a friend of my mothers and mine. We’ve known him for a long time. He runs this place. As for those two, the one on the right is Maxim Evens, and the other Lars’ grandfather, Alton Cooper. Now, if you will excuse us, Mother and I will finish our walk. Oh, and Manuel, I guess these two will be needing a room if they’re staying too,” Willow stated and went to move away from the group, but once more Alton stopped her with his hand on her arm.

  ***

  “We would like to join you on your walk? It would give us a chance to get acquainted with your son?” Alton asked, as he moved around to Willow’s side and smiled at Dylan. “I’m sorry I didn’t say anything earlier. My name is Alton Cooper.” He held out his hand to her son and Dylan squinted his eyes at Alton, then placed his smaller hand into his.

  “Don’t hurt my Mommy,” Dylan said, shocking her and her mom.

  “Dylan!” Willow stared at her son.

  “I hear you and Grandma,” was all he said. “Can I get an ice cream cone?” the little boy once more back in place asked Manuel.

  “Come on Dylan. I’ll take you to get one while your mom and grandmother sort things out,” Manuel said, holding out his hand. “I even believe we have your favorite in the back, Strawberry.”

  “One scoop, I have a big pot roast cooking for supper.” Willow said and watched as her son and mother walk away with the man who seemed to know her better than they did. And that did not settle well with him or Maxim.

  “How close of a friend is he?” Alton asked Willow and she grinned.

  “He is very close to us. Helped my mom when she first showed up here pregnant with me.” Her gaze met Maxim’s. “When her mom’s side of the family threw her out and told her not to come back to your world.” Willow tilted her head to the side and slid her gaz
e at Alton.

  “When I call Tamara my sister, I’m not just calling her that because we are close. I am her older, blood sister. We share the same father.” She raised her chin and stared at him, waiting. “Even though he has no idea I exist, and I think it’s best for my mother he does not know. So please do not say anything to anyone.” She glanced at Lars who stood there staring at her, shaking his head.

  “You know I have to tell Tamara. He’s going to find out.” Lars said and Willow growled.

  “He can’t. You think the spider lady was after Tamara. Imagine what she would do if she found out my mother is Baal’s real mate.” Their woman hissed and tried to move around them to join her mother.

  “Damn!” Alton cussed and started to pace back and forth. “This isn’t good. That bitch killed my wife and the thought of her going after you or your mother…”He stopped and looked at her as Laurann came back with her son. “Have you been tested? Do you carry the gene?” he asked.

  Her mother hissed and stepped in front of her daughter. “You even think of bringing those old stuffed coats near my daughter, I’ll rip your head off, then theirs. I heard about the pain you put her sister through. Well, it isn’t going to happen here!” She spun around and grabbed Willow’s hand, yanking her towards the door with her grandchild in her arms.

  “Come, I was wrong, you don’t need them!” Laurann snapped when Maxim stepped in front of them.

  “Please wait. There will be no test, I promise. Alton, she is part Fae. There is no way for one of us to carry that gene.” Maxim glanced over at Alton. “Alton?”

  All eyes turned on him. He seemed to glide across the floor joining Maxim in front of the ladies. “I’m sorry. What I said came out wrong. I wouldn’t have Willow go through the test.” He reached over and took Willow’s hand, and squeezed it. “I’m going to have my moments, but I promise I will try and do better. Please allow us to walk with you.”

  “Why don’t we all take a walk?” Tamara stated behind them, shocking every one of them, including his grandson.

  “What are you doing here by yourself? Where’s Gage?” Lars yelled, grabbing her by the shoulders and shaking her.

  Tamara knocked Lars hands off of her and glared at him. “Knock it off, drama boy. He’s right behind me.” She pointed to the counter behind them where Gage was talking with Manuel and pointing to their suitcases. “His brother and sister stayed on for another week since they wanted to see what happens with Maxim.” Tamara moved around Lars, coming up to Willow’s side, first looking at her, then at Alton.

  Laurann, Willow’s mom, thrust Dylan into Willow’s arms and brushed her finger down her cheek. “I have to go. This is now your home, my daughter. I built it for you,” she said before anyone could say a word, disappearing from the hotel.

  “Momma!” Tears rolled down Willow’s cheeks as she turned a full circle, searching. The little boy clung to Willow, his ice cream cone now on the floor. Hugging her son tight, she turned to Tamara who now had tears rolling down her cheeks.

  “I’m sorry. When you told Lars and them about dad, he was listening. Why didn’t you tell me?” Tamara grinned. “Strike that, I know why,” Alton’s granddaughter’s smile grew bigger. “You know what this means, don’t you?”

  “It means I won’t’ see my mom for a long time and I now have the spider lady to worry about. Not to mention, protecting my son from her, but what are you smiling at?” She stared at her sister.

  “You have us to help you Lydia…um, Willow. No one will get to your son. Plus, he’s a prince and his momma is now the true first princess of the dark realm,” she teased, earning a groan from all of them.

  Her son lifted his head, looking from Tamara than to Willow. “Really? Am I a prince?”

  Before anyone could say anything, the lights flickered, the wind howled outside and the building seemed to shake as windows rattled. People all stopped and stared out the doors. Loud bouts of thunder drowned out all talking, as the smell of sulfur filled the room. Maxim pushed him back along with the women away from the door.

  “Alton, Lars, Gage, protect the women. My queen, I request your help please,” Maxim said, his long blond hair now blowing as the doors to the hotel swung open and a single man stepped in. How one man can be small, but his presence fill an entire room Willow did not know.

  But he wasn’t any man, he was the devil himself, or Prince of the dark realm, which controlled everything evil below, and her grandfather. The power that radiated off of him was amazing. People bowed to him, knowing who he was and giving him that small amount of respect due to him. It wasn’t as if anyone else wanted the job of keeping degenerates from others.

  Alton placed himself in front of the Willow, while Gage and Lars took up positions around the women, knowing there wasn’t a damn thing to do if he really tried to hurt them.

  “Maxim, it’s been a long time. How is your mother?” he asked, scanning the hotel till his gaze landed on him.

  “Alton, I was so sad to hear about your wife, but maybe the bitch did you a favor. I mean isn’t it better to be bonded to my granddaughter. The true princess...” his words stopped as Baal appeared in the room next to Alton.

  Baal reached back and brushed his fingers across Willow’s cheek. “Father, it’s so rare for you to come above, wouldn’t you rather go visit your other grandchildren who wait for you outside?” Baal turned and stepped forward.

  In a matter of seconds, Alton knew Baal had placed a shield around all of them, protecting them. The laugh from Baal’s father sent a chill up his spine.

  “You were always a smart child and you know those things out there are not my grandchildren, but deformed blobs walking around.” He waved his hand. “Now they are no more. We don’t want them harming the golden pair there, do we? I’m giving you a gift my son.” He stepped to the right a little and stared at Willow. “Beautiful. It’s been a while since I have granted you something you desire. And you have earned it, bringing me so many new people.”

  A great white light appeared in the room and the Queen of the Fae appeared next to Maxim. “Agares, what brings you out of your dark realm this evening?”

  Agares bowed his head and smiled. “Oh my dear, you do look better than the last time, but your visit here is for naught. I’ve come baring a gift to my son or should I say, our son.” No one said a word as the Queen frowned, her attention now on Baal.

  “What games do you play this evening?” She hissed, turning once more toward Agares.

  “Do you not remember that night so long ago when you shared my bed? That night you not only gave me your body, but one of your very fertile eggs to carry my seed. My gift to you, my son, your rightful mother, and the promise that I will not touch your true daughters behind you, because like you, I too do have a soft side. I want part of our blood to continue.” Agares glanced at the Queen of the Fae, his gaze traveled up her body. Alton and every man there could see the longing in his eyes. The old one, did have a weak spot and she was standing in front of them.

  “What the hell?” Tamara yelled and Willow hissed. Dylan cried out as the mark of Agares appeared on his tiny wrist.

  “Anyone from my world or yours who tries to touch them… well they will deal with me personally, but be warned, my son. Once you escaped the psycho bitch that was below also escaped and is now roaming free. Look for the female that belongs to you. Find her fast and protect yourself.” With one more glance at the Queen, he bowed and she moaned, the sexual tension was thick in the air.

  A large ball of flame appeared in the room where he had been standing and the man himself disappeared from the room, leaving everyone stunned. Slowly, the flame disappeared, the wind outside calmed, the air in the hotel cleared of the sulfur and all eyes turned to Baal who just stood there, staring at his true mother. Her face was flushed and she was trying to pull herself together as she turned to Baal.

  “I didn’t know,” she inched forward with tears in her eyes staring up at her son, Baal’s, seven-foot frame. “He�
��s released you to this world now. He can’t call on you unless you desire to go below. We both have so much to talk about, but first…” She turned her gaze on Tamara, Willow and Dylan as they stepped up next to Baal.

  “You have daughters to talk to and a grandson to get to know. Willow, when you see your mother, please inform her that she can return anytime to our world. I will personally have a word with her mother about her behavior.” With that, the Queen touched Baal’s hand. A small winding vine appeared around his wrist and moved up his arm as it was alive.

  “The vine of life, now claims you as its own. You are more powerful than you know, my son, be careful of your gifts. Call when you are ready, and Willow, Tamara, you have the power to call me to you if you need to. You are family, my granddaughters, and I protect what I have left. You are always welcome to visit me as well.” With that, the woman disappeared.

  “Momma, I want to go home,” Dylan cried, hugging her. “I want Mama.” Dylan held on tight, forgetting about the dropped cone and the people around them going on as if nothing had happened.

  “The hotel is safe, for others. I know, baby, so do I. We’re going,” Willow stated and proceeded to walk around everyone, heading out the door. “Let’s go home, baby. Supper will be done here shortly.” Willow glanced over her shoulder at all of them. “I’m tired, but there is plenty of food at home if you would like to join us.” With that, she once more cloaked her and Dylan’s appearance before Willow slipped out the door.

  Baal turned to look at him. “Don’t hurt her. Come walk with me, Tamara. We both need to get to know your sister and my grandson.” Baal held out his hand and Tamara didn’t hesitate as she smiled, placing her hand into his while Lars and Gage followed close behind Tamara, never taking their eyes off of her for a second.

  “I’m glad you’re here.” Tamara glanced at Gage and Lars, who both nodded. “We all are.”