Red Satin Lips Read online

  She burst out laughing at him. “You two are silly. I’m carrying your children, and I love you, but that doesn’t mean I can’t enjoy a pretty man too. I mean I do have two of my own that I stare at often.” Tamara reached up and cupped Gage’s face.

  “I think we need to go to the funeral home for now and make arrangements.” She turned to look up into Lars’ glowing eyes. “Think of this party as a celebration of putting this bitch in her grave where she belongs. A final ending to this nightmare,” she whispered and put her head onto his shoulder.

  “Then maybe all of us can heal.” She rubbed her hand on her stomach. “If we have a girl, I’d like to name her after my mom and your grandmother, Sasha Lilly.” She slid her hand into his and squeezed.

  “How is your grandfather doing? I’d like to work with him for this party. It might help a little to keep him busy,” she said.

  “You don’t understand, Tamara. We’ll be lucky if we don’t lose my grandfather too. Once a mate is killed, the other half of the couple usually follows within a year,” Lars whispered, anguish evident in his voice.

  Not wanting to waste one more minute, Tamara jumped up and held her hands out for her men. “What is the difference between a blood mate and a heart mate?”

  “You are a blood mate to us. My mom is a blood mate to my father.” Lars stood as did Gage.

  “But your grandmother wasn’t a blood mate to your grandfather?” she asked already knowing the answer.

  “No, that is the only reason there might be some hope for him, even though he won’t think of it that way.”

  She nodded and reached for her toothbrush. “I don’t want to go out there again and see him.” Tamara glanced up in the mirror.

  “Your father and mine have removed his body. Jander is waiting for us.” Lars held out his hand as he waited for her.

  Instead of taking his hand, Tamara stepped up to him and wrapped her arms around him. “I’m so sorry Lars. I just can’t say it enough. The only light that burns through all of this is you two. Gage and I are here for you as I know you are there for me.” She kissed his chest, before stepping out of the bathroom.

  When the three of them stepped into the living room they saw that the family had gathered. Even Alton stood in the room. His furious gaze wounded her.. “You want to cancel the warrant? It can’t be done and it won’t be done! Do you have no conscious? This woman murdered my wife, my grandson and you want me to celebrate her life?”

  His powerful anger whipped around the room, shaking tables and lamps, but that wasn’t what was worrying her. The presence was back, listening. “I’m sorry Alton, but all she wants is to be accepted. You and my father have to talk to the elders. They need to accept this woman into their fold.”

  “Stop!” Jander ordered. “We have a visitor.”

  Everyone waited, but Jander was gone in a matter of seconds. “No, Jander,” she snarled and started to pace back and forth. There was something Tamara was missing…it was right there, but she couldn’t reach it yet.

  This woman wasn’t as smart as she was pretending. Tamara stopped and looked up at Lars and Gage. Someone else was pulling all the strings. She was just the front person, but who could hate her and Alton so much?

  Both of her men surrounded her. “What’s wrong? You’re frowning.” Gage ran his hand down her back. “Maybe you should go back to bed? It’s been a very stressful day, plus you need to start thinking of the babies.”

  “It’s not a good thing to remind me that you took that situation out of my hands Gage, but I do need some air. If I’m going to plan this party, I want it big for this woman. After all she deserves it,” her gaze settled on Alton. She stared at Lars’ grandfather and slowly watched as the smile came over his face finally understanding her play of words.

  A sudden weight on her left side made her stumbling backwards. Gage who was furious. “Don’t you care about our babies inside of you?”

  Anyone who knew Tamara would have been able to see the signs of a very angry mother –to-be, but Gage kept pushing and pushing, till he had her backed up against the wall. Behind him Lars stood with his arms across his chest, watching.

  “You have until the count of three to step back Gage,” she snarled and slowly looked up at him. “I’m not playing games here.”

  At that minute, Lars reached over and placed his hand on Gage’s shoulder. “Step back Gage and control the wolf or I will.”

  Baring his teeth at her, Gage focused on Lars, who stepped back. “That’s it, look at me. Deep breaths buddy, just take deep breaths.”

  While Lars worked at drawing Gage’s attention, Tamara fell against the wall and looked around the room. Alton stood in the corner speaking with Lars’ father and Jander, but her father was now standing at the sliding glass door with his back to them.

  No one paid them any mind while Gage worked to control his animal, but she knew her father and the other men knew her exact whereabouts at all times.

  Yes, something was wrong, but Tamara just could not put her finger on it, but for now she concentrated on Gage. He turned back to her, anger still dancing in his eyes, but he controlled it for now.

  “Do you know how dangerous it would be if you went walking around?” he asked her through his teeth which were clenched together.

  She cocked her head to the side. “Let’s see… isn’t it about as how dangerous it is standing in here? I mean, let’s face it, if she can drop a body into this room, she can do pretty much anything, right?” Tamara sighed and looked up into Gage’s face. “Do you really believe I would put our children at risk, Gage?”

  Tears filled her eyes and she turned to leave, but both of her men wrapped their arms around her. “I’m sorry, baby. I know you would never hurt our children. This whole mess has the wolf in me wanting to hunt and I took it out on you.” Gage leaned down and kissed her lips softly.

  Behind her, Lars rubbed her shoulders. “You need to eat. Why don’t we find some place for us to eat? Afterward we can purchase some clothes to hold us over till we decide what to do.”

  Their touch eased the ache inside and Tamara relaxed. “I need to get away, anywhere to walk around. I need to work some things through, but you’re right.” Her stomach rumbled and both men laughed.

  ****

  Sitting in the local Bob Evan’s, Lars scanned their surroundings as they waited for their food that they had just ordered. He had brought them to Elyria, Ohio, a quiet enough town from what he could tell. Three of their team was spread out around, while two more were scoping out the area.

  The tapping of her fingers on the table had him looking down at their beautiful woman. Something was off and not only could he feel, but Tamara could also.

  “She’s not pulling the strings, is she?” Lars asked and covered her hand with his.

  She let go of the breath she’d been holding, and shook her head. “No, oh she went along with and encouraged whoever is doing this, but this other person is a smart one. He knows what he’s doing, and it is a male.” Tamara sat back and looked around, but he knew she was seeing no one as she processed the information.

  “What exactly are the perks of becoming an elder or ancient? What is the big deal about it?” she asked and looked at him. “Maybe if I knew what all the fuss was about, it would help.”

  Squeezing her hand, Lars smiled. “For starters they are sort of like our judges and politicians. As a group, they can take away all powers or gifts from a person. Even though we are considered immortal, we can die. Death sentences can be handed down as well. Right now there are three opposing forces on the council,” Lars said, and smiled at the waitress as she placed their plates in front of them.

  “Thank you. Can we also get three glasses of milk?” Lars asked and heard Tamara groan as the waitress left.

  “I don’t need milk. I have plenty of dairy in this omelet and the biscuits and gravy you ordered me. Plus, I have juice.” She picked up her orange juice and took a sip. “See, I’m being good.” She held up he
r glass so Gage could see it and he rolled his eyes.

  “You know that is not what had me angry,” he growled and took a bit of his food.

  Her fork dropped onto her plate with a clang as Tamara clenched her hands in her lap. “Enough already Gage or I swear I’m out of here. I have done everything you’ve asked, but I will not stop trying to figure out who wants me dead. It’s not only my life on the line now. If you can’t handle that, then go visit relatives till this is over.”

  Lars could see her small body shaking. She was so hurt and upset. He wrapped his arm around her and hugged her. “Easy, Tamara, we're both concerned here. You need to calm down. It’s not good for the babies.”

  If it wasn’t for the waitress showing up, Lars knew Tamara would have ripped his head off. As it was, she was stiff as a board in his arms.

  The woman smiled at him. “Do you need anything else?” Looking from him to Gage, she leaned over his plate to set his milk down. “There you go. My name is Nancy if you need anything.”

  “We heard you the first time,” Tamara snapped. “Please take your big boobs and find someone else to flirt with. He’s taken, even if I’m furious with him,” she grumbled and watched every move the woman made till she left the table, a little stunned.

  She never said a word as Tamara turned her attention to the food. “Go on. You were saying about the council.”

  “Don’t you think you owe Gage an apology?” Lars asked sitting back and waiting.

  “Why?” she turned to look at him. “I’ve gone out of my way to fit into both of your lives. You’ve changed me, I’ve lost my mother and everything I owned is gone. I’m trying to hold it together here without breaking down, but that’s not good enough for him or you. This keeps my mind working, keeps me busy to think this out, because honestly, if I didn’t have something to keep me busy…” She reached for her juice, and her hand shook slightly as Tamara picked up the glass.

  “Continue, please,” she whispered, but Lars heard the tears in her voice. Across from them Gage glanced at him, then at her before moving to her side.

  He knelt beside her chair and slowly turned her to face him. “I know this is difficult for you and if there was anything we could do to ease your pain, we would. I see your tears, and the sadness in your eyes…” Gage took her hand and placed it over his chest. “This aches. My wolf cries and wants to seek those that would hurt you. All I can do is promise to try harder, baby. There will be times when I slip up, but I love you.”

  Tamara slapped his chest. “Damn it Gage, here I was getting ready to hit you over the head and you get all mushy on me.” She circled her arms around his neck and hugged him. “I’m trying too, Gage, but you have to give me some leeway here.” Tamara almost crawled into his lap, but stopped and looked around.

  Her cheeks pinked and Tamara lowered her head as she got back into her chair. “If there is a problem or something you don’t like, talk to me Gage.”

  Standing, Gage looked around once before taking his seat. “What do you think about going to see my family early? You can still arrange the party from there, but I’d feel better.” His eyes met Lars’ over the table.

  “It would ease some of the stress she’s under and the added protection would be nice. I think getting out of the city is the best answer. We can pick up a computer which will help her set up the event.” Lars looked at Tamara, who was frowning.

  “I hate to put your family into this mess though. It’s bad enough that Lars’ family is being targeted, along with mine.” She took two more bites of her food.

  “That’s no problem, once we cross over onto my family’s property line, no one can follow.” Gage winked at her and smiled. “See there is a little Fae in our blood. My mother is part Fae and her father protected the lands. No one may enter who means to do harm to our family.”

  Taking a bite of his food, Lars almost choked, shocked at what Gage had said. “Excuse me? You were going to tell me this when? She could have been there last week!”

  “I told you last year about the homestead property, that we could use it if we had to for a retreat.” Gage countered taking a drink of his coffee.

  For the life of him, Lars couldn’t remember him mentioning this, but he wasn’t about to argue they needed to get to this place. “It doesn’t matter. After were done shopping, we’ll go. We’ll have half the team drive up there with what we purchase today, but I want to leave as soon as we’re done shopping.”

  “You know there is plenty of room for your folks and grandfather?” Gage asked.

  “I’ll ask them, but I doubt they’ll come, especially Granddad. He is bound and determined to find them. He won’t rest till whoever killed her is brought to justice.” Lars took his last bite of food and sat back.

  “Lars, do you think it’s odd that my father asked us to go to his place? I mean I haven’t seen or even been there.” She pushed her almost empty plate away from her and reached for the water.

  “Not really. I’m sure he knows we’ll take care of you and he just doesn’t want to overstep his bounds.”

  Tamara stood and stretched. “That hit the spot. Now let’s do some serious shopping.” She rubbed her stomach before she turned towards him. She had a smile on her face for only seconds, before the screams started as bullets hit the windows of the diner.

  Lars dove and covered Tamara’s body with his going to the ground. He tried to brace for their fall, but he refused to leave her unprotected. On the ground, Gage snarled and stared at him.

  “Baby, are you hurt anywhere?” they both asked at the same time as he tried to run his hands down the side of her body. When he came to a wet spot and Tamara didn’t respond to them at all, he could have sworn his heart stopped.

  He lifted his hand up and blood covered it. Gage reached over with both hands, grasping them both.

  In a matter of minutes, they were in front of the main house on Gage’s family estate. He held an unconscious Tamara in his arms. Both of them ran to the front door as it was thrown open.

  “First room upstairs to your left,. Your mother and grandmother are waiting,” Gage’s father said as he closed the door behind them. He couldn’t say a word. Lars was never so scared in his life.

  She should be awake. Tamara only took a hit to the thigh. The bullet or whatever it had been went right through her.

  “Put her on the bed Lars, and step back. We won’t allow anything to happen to our new daughter,” Gage’s mom, Lana, said and patted his arm as he stepped away from the bed.

  “She should be awake. I don’t know what is going on,” Lars looked at Gage’s grandmother. She was beautiful with her long blond hair and piercing blue eyes. “She’s carrying our children.”

  The woman nodded. “They are fine, all three of them, but what has me worried is the fact I can smell a touch of magic here around her wound. The bullet did no major harm, but that wasn’t a normal shell either. Something has bled into her blood.” She looked to her daughter. “Get your grandfather here now. He’ll know what to do and what this is.”

  In an instant Gage’s mom was gone. Once more Ishka, Gage’s grandmother, turned to them. “My father is the best when it comes to poison or any other healing problems.” She ripped off Tamara’s pants and covered her mound when a tall male appeared in the room.

  He nodded to them, but went right to Tamara and started to inspect the wound. “Whoever did this is smart and old.” A bottle of a blue gel-ike substance appeared and the Fae poured it onto his hands before spreading it on her wound.

  Looking up at them, he ordered. “Hold her down. This is going to hurt, but it must be done.”

  Not questioning him, Gage and Lars moved to the bed where Maxim, Gage’s grandfather, turned her to her side where the wound had entered. “Each of you crawl onto the bed and hold her. I’ll be working over you,” he instructed them.

  Over the next half hour, Maxim worked the blue gel into her wound. She screamed and thrashed on the bed, but never really woke up. Lars was swea
ting, as was Gage, when his grandfather called a halt.

  “She’ll sleep now and it’s good. Your woman will need the rest and so will the babies.” He cleaned his hands off and hugged Gage before turning to him as he got off the bed. “Your enemy is very smart and deadly. They injected her with an ancient poison, which can also be used as some sort of tracking too. The properties in the chemicals give off a signal which allows others to locate the one infected. I haven’t seen it for over two thousand years.”

  He frowned and looked to Gage. “I don’t believe this woman is that old, Gage.”

  “Not from what Tamara has said. Wasn’t the last formal gathering of the council over six hundred years ago?” Gage asked as he took the blanket off the side of the bed and covered their sleeping woman.

  “Yes, and the age to be accepted had to be over a thousand years. So she would still be too young, which also means our woman was right. This female isn’t the one behind this mess. Unless, she could have read about it or heard about it?”

  “No, all records and documents of this were erased. No one wanted word of this substance to get out. Even for your kind, it’s lethal. The only way someone knew about this was if they were still around when the banishment of this drug was ordered, which would have been over two thousand Earth years.”

  Lars fell onto the chair in the family room. The weight of what they had uncovered didn’t sit well with him at all. An ancient, a member of the council had to be helping this nut case bitch and Lars had no idea who it could be.

  Chapter Eight

  The first thing Tamara knew was that she was in some place new and her thigh was sore. Her babies, she sat up, covering her stomach. A small cry slipped out of her mouth as she remembered what had happened.

  “Shh, it’s okay. Your babies are healthy and safe,” a woman with blond hair reassured her as she handed her a cup of orange juice. “Drink this. It will help your body finish healing you. I’m Ishka, Gage’s grandmother. You’re lucky my father knew of the poison these idiots put in you. Otherwise you’d be dead now.” The woman looked like she was in her late twenties, with straight blond hair and delicate facial features, but the look she gave her would have any woman hiding under a bed.