Fighting for Julia [Panther Cove 3] (Siren Publishing Ménage Everlasting) (14 page)

Mom opened the cabinets and took out two mugs. “I think your fathers feel alive when they’re busy. I’m the one who’s the nervous wreck.”

“They won’t be called up for duty will they?” The only time that would happen would be if the nation declared a state of emergency. Even then they would have to go in under the radar. Even the CIA wasn’t ready to learn shifters existed.

“Probably not. This is more of an exploratory mission for Breck and Daven. It is their hometown.”

“Why can’t the shifters who live in Philadelphia take care of it?”

Her mom pressed her lips together. “You know why. The shifter world is small. They’d be known among The Sword.”

She was right. “How long will they be gone?”

The coffeemaker beeped. “You act like you’re in love with these men. Are you?”

She’d never spoken the words out loud. “As much as I’ve fought the attraction, I have fallen for them.” If she’d lied, her mother would have been able to tell.

Her mom smiled. “That’s good, dear. After all, they are your mates.”

That was the second person who said that. Make that the third person, but she thought Daven was kidding. “Why would you say that?”

Her mom blinked. “Because your men told me.”

Something weird was going on. “When did you speak with them?”

Her mom poured the coffee and slowly brought the bowl of sugar over. “Cream?”

“Thanks.” She dumped in a truckload of the sweet stuff. “Tell me what they said.”

“They told me you were their mate.”

There had to be more than that. “Mother.”

Her mom picked up her coffee and motioned they go to the living room. From the careful way her mom was moving, she was formulating what to say.

Julia placed her cup on the coffee table and sat. “Now spill.”

“The day before my birthday, Breck and Daven came to the house.”

“They did? I hadn’t even been introduced to them yet.”

Her mom smiled. “My dear. When two shifters find their mate, there are no lengths they won’t go to make sure the mating takes place.”

It would have been easy enough for them to have found out her name. She was at the inaugural party for the coffee house, and Jeremiah or Mario could have given them the details. “They told you in words that I was their mate?”

“Yes. I let them know you were coming for my birthday.”

The pieces clicked together. “I suppose you told them I liked to paint, and they asked who my favorite artists were?”

“You’re acting like I did something wrong. You know me. I don’t want to die without seeing my grandchildren. At the speed with which you’ve discarded men, I thought you’d never find the right ones.”

“Pu-lease. I’m seventy-six and have only had a handful of men.”

“Regardless, your fathers and I had almost given up hope for you.”

Her mom was being overly dramatic. “What happened is now in the past.” She sipped her coffee. “I’m going to end up like you.”

Her brows pinched together. “I hope so. You’ll have a wonderful life.”

“Growing up, all you did was worry about Charles or Harvey getting injured in battle.”

“That’s because I loved them.”

Frustration over a lack of communication made the situation worse. “Don’t tell me there weren’t days that you fretted over losing one of both of them.”

“Of course, I did, but that’s what marriage is about.”

She didn’t need to hear any platitudes. Bottom line was if she wanted to ever live a life without being in a constant state of worry, she needed to find a way to walk away now.

You know you can’t.

Her cell rang and her heart skipped a beat. She looked at the caller ID. “Excuse me. It’s Breck.”

She stood and walked down the hallway toward her former bedroom. She didn’t need her mom to overhear. “Hey!” Even she could tell her upbeat voice lacked her usual enthusiasm.

“Sorry I didn’t call earlier, but we’ve been a little busy here at The Cove.”

She didn’t want Breck to have to break any code. “I’m at Mom’s. I heard you were both in Philadelphia.”

“Yes.”

When he didn’t elaborate, she decided to change the subject a bit just to keep hearing his voice. “What’s it like going back home?”

“It’s good seeing the folks.”

“How’s Daven?”

“He’s very focused on getting to the bottom of our situation.”

He seemed to be taking a lot of care about what he said. No telling who might be listening in on the conversation.

“I miss you.”

“Babe, I miss you more.”

They spent another few minutes talking about what she’d been doing, but she understood he might be putting her in danger if he spent too much time on the phone with her.

“Call me when you can.” She didn’t want to be so needy, but she couldn’t seem to help it.

“Think about how incredible it will be when I get home. Daven and I are going to spend days in bed with you.”

She laughed. “Is sex the only thing you think about?”

“When I’m on a mission, it’s the only thing that helps keep me centered.”

“Then I want you to think about licking my tits and fucking my pussy until your cock explodes.”

That finally got a laugh out of him. “And Daven?”

“Oh, he’ll be sinking his cock deep in my ass.”

“He did say your last encounter is what’s keeping him sane.”

She’d been about to say she loved him, but she decided she wanted to wait until they were both in her arms. After she hung up, her nerves had calmed and a sense of belonging settled in her soul. When she went back to the living room, the sun was streaming in the window and all looked right in the world.

“How’s Breck?”

“Probably wishing he were here, but he didn’t give a status report on The Sword.”

“As well he shouldn’t.”

Now that her crisis was past, she got the urge to paint. “Would you mind if I took my paints outside?”

“I think that’s a marvelous idea. It will let your mind sort through things. I know whenever I was troubled, I’d knit.”

She rolled her eyes. “How well I know. I think you made me at least ten hats and more winter scarves than I could wear in a lifetime.” The image of Daven tying her to the bed with those scarves raced through her brain, and her body tingled.

Her mom chuckled. “I know. Now I make caps for babies. At least they seem to appreciate them.”

On that note, Julia headed back to her studio to collect her supplies. Even though she no longer lived there, she kept a spare of everything here. Once she got her gear, she put on an old sweater she found in her closet that her mom had knitted and went outside.

The fall colors were still vibrant, but she wanted to paint something different. As if there were a string attached to her body pulling her, she ended up by the lake, the same spot where she’d been when she first spoke with Breck and Daven. Hell, the place brought her comfort.

Instead of doing a broad landscape, she decided to do more of a close-up shot. After she set up her chair and easel, she walked to the dock, untied the rope attached to the rowboat, and walked the boat to shore. The beached craft was not only colorful, but it reminded her of the boat ride around the lake.

She moved her easel closer and began her sketch. Once more, she wanted to try bolder strokes. It was almost as if she’d be closer to her men if she could paint something Breck would have created.

For the next three hours, she lost herself in her craft. She got sidetracked all too often as she remembered the boat ride to the middle of the lake. As she splashed a dollop of red on the side of the boat, her thoughts raced to Breck and his bold color scheme.

“Julia?”

She was so lost in idyllic thought that it took a moment for her mother’s voice to register. Julia twisted around to see what why her mom was outside. It wasn’t time for dinner yet. Julie stood. From the way her mom’s shoulders were rounded and her gate labored, something was dreadfully wrong. Julia raced to meet her.

“What’s wrong?”

“Daven’s been shot.”

Julia didn’t want to jump to any conclusions, but from the way her mom’s face was pale, it was bad. “How is he?” Panthers healed quickly. Bullet wounds were rarely fatal unless they hit an organ. She refused to consider that option.

Mom shook her head. “It’s serious. Pick up your gear and I’ll fill you in.” She turned around.

Julia wanted to run after her, but right now her mom was probably hurting, too. Those in Panther Cove cared about everyone.

As she trotted back to get her stuff, she told herself that Daven would be just fine and that her mom was overreacting.

You don’t believe that
.

Her fists clenched. He better be fine or she’d kill him herself. When she dragged her gear into the house, both of her fathers were there.

“Hi. Why aren’t you two at the command center?” It was where they loved to be more than anything. It made them feel useful.

“We thought you might need us.” Charles enveloped her in a hug while the more reserved of the two fathers stood next to her mom.

She stepped out of his grasp. “What aren’t you telling me?”

“Somehow we had a breach. Breck and Daven were attacked by several Sword members less than half an hour ago.”

That must have happened right after she’d spoken with Breck. “Were The Sword in their human form or tiger form?” She hoped they had shifted. Breck and Daven would have kicked their butts.

“Human. They had guns.”

Her heart lurched and her mouth turned dry as she tried to process what he’d just told her. “I’m guessing Breck and Daven did not.”

“No. This was to be a reconnaissance mission, but things exploded on us.”

She had to sit before her legs gave way. Her mom handed her a glass of water. “Thanks.” As she brought the drink to her lips, water leaked out and dribbled down her shirt. She didn’t bother wiping it away.

“Tell me everything.”

“We’re not sure of the details. Breck is with Daven at the doctor’s office now.”

Shifters couldn’t go to a regular hospital. Once the doctors took his blood sample, his real identity would be compromised. “I’m driving up there.”

Charles knelt beside her. “You should stay here and help your mom.”

Being reasonable was not on her plate today. “I want to see he’s okay. If he’s not, then I want to be there for him.”

Her father nodded and stood. “Leave first thing tomorrow morning.”

“I think I’ll pack now.” Her suitcase was already in the trunk.

“It’s a ten-hour drive and you don’t even know where Daven is.”

“I can call Breck.”

Her mom moved next to her. “I don’t think Breck needs to worry about you right now. He needs to concentrate on keeping Daven safe.”

What she said made some sense. “I’ll leave in the morning, then, but I am going.” By then, Breck would have a better idea about Daven’s condition.

“Do you need me to help you pack?” Her mother’s mouth turned down, all full of worry.

“I’m good.”

Her mom rubbed her arm. “I’m about to start supper. You want to help me?”

While her mother didn’t need help, she must have understood Julia’s need to keep busy. “Sure.”

* * * *

Julia worked hard to keep the tears from obscuring her vision as she drove to Philadelphia. Harvey had mapped out the best route, but the traffic was worse than she’d planned on. She only wanted to call Breck after she arrived in town. If she spoke with him now and Daven’s condition had worsened, she wasn’t sure she’d be able to get there safely.

Knowing Mr. Protector, he’d tell her there was nothing she could do, and that it wasn’t safe to come, but she understood the benefit of a warm hand. She wanted to sit by Daven’s side and talk to him even if he wasn’t in any shape to respond.

Around two she stopped for lunch, and at six she hit a drive-thru for dinner. The food sucked, but she wasn’t up for much, nor did she want to stop. As she neared Philadelphia, the traffic snarled.

While she crawled down the Interstate, she dialed Breck. Her heart sped and her palms sweated.

“Julia?”

“Yes. How’s Daven.”

The ten seconds of silence seemed to last a lifetime. “He’s alive, but barely.”

She hadn’t meant to gasp. “I’m in Philadelphia and need to see him. And you, too.” She couldn’t ask about Breck’s health. Having two men injured might push her over the edge.

“You’re here?”

She couldn’t tell if he was happy or upset. “Yes. Daven needs me.”

“It could be dangerous.”

She knew he’d use that excuse to keep her away. “I need to see him. Where are you?” He hesitated then gave her the address. “Don’t worry. I’ll be careful.” He didn’t have to tell her that The Sword could be watching.