Forever Our Ever (20 page)

Of course, Tella would be angry, and that in itself could be a dangerous thing. She wasn’t a woman who liked to be outsmarted and it wouldn’t matter to her that Ever had solved her dilemma on her own. Tella would still want Seren.

With a silent sigh, he refocused his attention. Liam had resumed his previous position behind Ever, but he had tugged the blanket up to her neck. Kris was sitting beside her to put a barrier between Silva and Ever. It was a wise choice on Kris’s part.

“I’m so glad that you managed to get your body back. I’m sure that Tella will be relieved also,” said Silva in a sugary-sweet voice.

Demetri’s mother had always said, “Sugar is sweet, sugar is nice, but it’s poison and a deadly vice. The only place that sugar should be is rolling off your tongue when you talk to me.” He really needed to call and see how his mother was doing. She had been an inspiration for him to learn to control his magical nature. His mother was a brilliant white witch who was the most supportive and understanding woman he had ever met. His father, on the other hand, was half-human and half-were. Demetri hadn’t tested his were side in years. He had once had the ability to turn, but wasn’t sure if his body still understood how. He was surprised that Kris hadn’t noticed, or maybe he had and just hadn’t said anything. Demetri would have to ask him.

“I would love for us to keep in touch and maybe even become friends. I have high hopes for you as alpha,” said Silva. The man was full of shit, and the wry smile on Kris’s face said clearly that he thought so also.

“Thank you, Silva. I don’t really think I will have much time to socialize in the near future. I appreciate the thought, though. Just to let you know, I had already decided that I was not giving up my son for any reason. I’m not going to do anything that I will come to regret. Ever is a strong woman and she will be fine. Tell Tella that we said thank you for the offer of her help.”

Sugar off Kris’s tongue.

“I will relay your regards,” snapped Silva. Obviously, the man had a limited ability to be nice. Silva leaned closer as if he might try and touch Ever. Kris stood up between them. “Let me show you to the door.”

As Silva turned, Demetri saw the sneer on his wrinkled face. Silva was obviously none too pleased to be escorted out. He reached out his hand as they walked by the crib that had now replaced the cradle. Kris quickly moved around him, and with his body, steered Silva toward the door. It was a good move and Demetri was glad to see it. Maybe his words had touched Kris, and he now understood that he needed to protect his children and Ever with everything Kris had. Demetri wished that he had done the same, but it was too late to change things. All he could do was move forward and hope that he was allowed some small part of their lives. It had been too long since his family had moved on to a warmer climate. He had remained in this area with memories that no longer mattered, and hopes that had long ago faded out. Yet, he had always had a sense that it was where he needed to be. Now Demetri understood why. He was meant to be here now with Kris, Liam, and Ever, and he was not yet finished with them.

* * * *

Mick sat on his father’s porch, his anger still seething inside. He heard the front porch screen open and close with an irritating screech, and turned to the sound. Sherra walked over and sat across from him. “Are you going to tell me what happened?”

“Where is my father?”

“I already told you where he was. He went up to Vermont to talk to the alpha there. He wants it to be known that Ever is not to be bothered again, because she is no longer Amar.”

“He should let them come.”

Sherra gave him a reprimanding look of disgust. “You don’t mean that.”

“I said it, didn’t I?”

“Yes, but speaking something doesn’t mean it is really what’s in your heart. There is a shadow of love behind your anger and you would hate yourself if anything happened to her. It would hurt all of you, whether you want to admit that right now or not. You do know that your father plans to make peace once he gets back.”

“That’s his choice to make. I’m leaving first thing in the morning. I’m going back to my profession and my life. I’m done with this shit. I can’t compete with Kris and Liam. If I’m thinking correctly, I may be competing with Demetri too. He seems to have weaseled his way into their lives quite efficiently.”

“I don’t know much about Demetri, but your father trusts him completely.”

Mick stared at her. Was this woman deranged or just misguided? “He fucked my mother. I just found out that my oldest brother was not my brother, and that Kris killed him. That puts both men on the shit list in my book. I can add Liam to that list, because he knew and never told me.”

Sherra sighed. “Your father never told you either. Don’t you think that there was probably a reason for their silence? It’s not like telling you would have changed anything.”

“Maybe telling Rick would have stopped him from challenging Kris in the first place. Maybe if there had been more truth in our lives, things would have turned out differently. I was allowed to grow up thinking that I was alpha when Rick died, and I wasn’t. It not only makes me feel completely idiotic, but proves that my entire life has been a lie.”

Sherra smiled, which made him even madder. “I remember Rick. He was a headstrong young man with an ego the size of a great oak. I think that knowing his father wasn’t were would have only served to make him more eager to prove himself. I don’t think it would have changed a damn thing. He obviously knew that Kris was alpha if that was the one he chose to go after. Is it possible that you were just so caught up in your own desires that you closed your eyes to the truth? Kris is the one who is easygoing, and he allowed you to play the role for years. He didn’t honestly mind until he was faced with a woman that you brought home for the three of you to share.

“I heard what you told your father, Mick. Your brothers didn’t choose to exclude you. You did that to yourself because you wanted to be something that you weren’t. They accepted you for what you were, and have lived with it for all of your life. You’re right, it would have changed you to know the truth, but ask yourself this, Mick. Would you be what you are this day if you had believed that you were inferior? You used the power that Kris and your father gave you to advance yourself and you have done quite well. You don’t have to stop believing in yourself just because Kris is the official alpha.”

Mick glared at her. He didn’t want to admit that she was probably right. It would have had a major effect on his life if he hadn’t believed that he was the most powerful one of them. It was probably why he had closed his eyes to the facts. He didn’t want to admit that he might be wrong, but…maybe he was.

Sherra was looking at him as if she was waiting for a reply. Had her little speech been a question? It hadn’t sounded like one. She was probably just looking for input. “What do you want me to say? Do you want me to sink down to my knees and tell you that you are right? That everyone is right but me?”

“Of course not, Mick. I just wanted to you hear me out and think about things. I don’t really think that you want Ever dead. I think the reason that you are so angry with her is because you love her.”

“I don’t think that I love her enough.”

“Has she ever complained or said anything to give you that idea?”

“No.” He smiled loftily. Ever had complained plenty near the end of the pregnancy, but it wasn’t directed at him or his brothers. It didn’t really matter anymore. He had made such a spectacle out of himself, he probably wouldn’t be welcome back anyway. He was better to break from the family, and go see if it was possible to make a life on his own. He was tired of taking care of his brothers and having to share his woman with them. Ever was their woman now. Let them have her.

“I thank you for your insights, but I’m going home. I will leave the information about the sale of Ever’s house with you if you wouldn’t mind bringing it over there.” Mick pushed himself to his feet. “I don’t mean to be rude, but I’m tired and I’m going to bed. I have a long day tomorrow.”

Sherra sighed heavily and nodded, getting up to walk him inside. Mick felt as if he was disappointing her also, but it was an unfortunate and unavoidable thing that he didn’t have time for. Sherra had spent her entire life with the clan and she was now a good were mate to his father. He had a life outside and he was going back to it, one way or another.

Ever lay on the bed with the four babies lined up against her leg. Kris was feeding the five of them, and it was quite amusing. One spoonful of food for each child in line, and then three for Ever, before he went back to the beginning.

“Is there a chance that I can get something a bit more substantial tomorrow? Buffalo and sweet potato mash is fine for them, but I would like something that requires teeth to eat.”

Kris chuckled. “Demetri says that we should take it slow so the food doesn’t upset your stomach. I agree with him.”

“I don’t.”

“Think of something other than food, Ever.”

“Sex?”

“I meant something that…I just meant stop thinking about the food and eat it. It is good for you.”

She wasn’t exactly bitching, and he completely understood, but her progress was slow and it was irritating. He wanted sex as much as she did, but he didn’t think that her still-weakened body would handle it.

Liam strolled in and sat on the end of the bed. Errant turned to look at him and Kris smeared food across his cheek. “Errant. Food goes in the mouth, not beside it. Turn around please.”

Liam chuckled. “I see that the babies are eating well. How about Mommy?”

“Mommy is complaining as usual,” replied Ever.

She was having a really hard time with the recovery part of this. Now that she had her body back, she wanted to get up and do things, but her flesh wasn’t necessarily cooperating.

“I have to go to a meeting of the clan heads today. I probably won’t be back until late. I’m sorry, but it is a necessary evil.”

Ever nodded. “Okay. I understand. They have been very patient as you waited for me to get my body back, and I’m sure with all the visitors we have had that everyone knows that I’m now getting better.”

Kris handed the bowl to Liam and then walked around the bed to lift her into his arms. The babies continued to sit up without the aid of her leg and she frowned at their achievement. The milestones that she had read about in the baby book had not prepared her in the least for what these little devils could do. Ever had already stated a fear that they would be walking before they were two months old, and she was very possibly right.

Liam stood up and stroked her cheek as Kris walked around the bed. “This is said for both of us,” said Liam.

“What is said?” asked Ever.

“What I’m about to say to you, out on the porch in the sunshine,” Kris replied.

“Oh.”

Kris walked with her outside and put her down in the rocking swing. She was still having problems with standing and walking, but at least she had grown strong enough to sit up by herself, sort of like the babies. He kept that assessment to himself. It would really upset her if he told her of the comparison.

The sun was on the perfect angle to shine down on them without being in their eyes. He sat beside her and turned slightly to face her as he rocked the swing with his foot. “Liam and I were talking about Demetri last night while you were sleeping. What do you think of him?”

“I think he is nice. I appreciate his help, both in trying to make my body stronger and also trying to help me learn about nature magic. Why do you ask?”

“We were wondering if you wanted him to replace Mick. Having three strong men in the house to watch over you is better than having two. Liam and I also enjoy watching you with Demetri, he brings out a different side of your personality. He makes you think, and the things you discuss are interesting.”

“I agree, but it doesn’t mean that I want to sleep with him.”

“Who do you think that you are talking to, Ever? I know when you are attracted to a man, and you are attracted to Demetri.”

“I didn’t say that he wasn’t attractive. He is old enough to be my father.”

That was a bullshit excuse and he knew it. “He is forty-four and looks about twenty-five. The wolf in his blood is keeping him younger, Ever.”

“What wolf?”

“Demetri is part were. I would like him to tell me himself, but so far, he hasn’t. I have to presume he has his reasons. He mentioned that his grandfather is still alive and that he wanted to give the man a call. Considering that Demetri is the youngest child of four, the grandfather must be in his mid to late eighties at the very youngest. I saw a photo of his mother and she looks about thirty-five or so. There is were in his mother’s family and I have to wonder if the magic is amplifying the genes in his body to be even more powerful. Either way, you have me off the subject. Are you interested in inviting him to stay with us? He goes home and then comes back, over and over again. It is a waste for him and I think you would benefit from his constant company.”

“Can I think about it?”

“Of course. I’m asking, not telling you.”

“What if Mick comes back?”

“Clair, the herbalist from the holistic spa, called me last night. She said that Mick is there and is acting as if everything is normal. She wondered what had happened because he is sleeping in his office and he has dropped the deal to sell the spa. I told her to ask Mick. If he did that, then he doesn’t intend to come back. I wish he would talk to us. I tried to call him, but he won’t pick up and he doesn’t call me back. He’s ignoring Liam’s calls also.”

“Maybe he is hoping that he gets his wish and I die.”