Gabe's Destiny (Alien Mates Book Three) (7 page)

“Give me the phone, Bob. My baby is crying and I’m going to find out why.” There was silence, then her mother was back on the phone.

“What’s going on, Taya, and I want the truth.”

She gave her mother the unvarnished truth and waited for her to call her crazy or suggest she get mental help right away.

“When you were a little girl you used to see monsters all the time.” There was a sadness clinging to her mother’s voice. “We eventually moved here hoping the nightmares would go away and they did. You became a normal child running and playing, having fun. The specialists said it was just a phase and your father and I prayed every night that they were right. When you started being stalked, at first we thought you were having the same nightmares, but nightmares don’t leave dead animals on your porch. We should have told you.”

What would she have done if her parents told her? She would have probably laughed it off like she did with Gabe. Even though it was her parents telling her, she didn’t have any memories of going through this as a child. Most likely she had repressed them. Knowing what she knew now, repressing them was probably for the best.

“Mom, if you had told me it would have either freaked me out more or I would have ignored it. Accepting this kind of thing isn’t easy.”

“Taya, now that you know what’s wrong, can’t you come home?”

Could she go home? Maybe, after she figured out how to protect herself and them. She was going to be in danger no matter where she lived; she might as well live by her parents. Yeah, she could go home or at least she could try if Gabe would stop invading her mind.

“Mom, remember I told you about that male named Gabe?” She need to pace to tell her mom this so she stood. When her mother said yes, she told her the rest. “So you see he wants to marry me. It’s called soul-bonding and it’s for life.”

“You don’t even know him!” Her father screamed from the background. Of course her dad was listening; he hadn’t seen her for a year. No way was he going to go back and watch whatever was on the television.

“Really Bob,” her mother scolded. “We knew each other for three weeks before we headed to Vegas and got married. I thought my dad was going to kill you, and if I remember correctly it was close. I literally stood between his shotgun and you.”

Her dad mumbled something about no one being good enough for his princess, especially some alien from another world. What if he tried to take her off planet or eat her for breakfast?

Taya felt her lips quirk; she loved her family, they made her feel sane, like she would figure this out.

“Your dad says he trust you.”

Her father yelled, “When did I say that?”

“He also says if you chose to soul-bond with this male we better get the invitation because we need to meet him. Understand young lady?”

“Yes ma’am.”

“And there will be a real wedding! Do what you think is right for your life, Taya. We will support you one hundred percent. Can I reach you at this number?”

“I…” What could she say? Her mother was asking sweetly but pretty much demanding she give her a way to stay in touch.

“Yes, mom. If I have to ditch this phone for any reason, I promise to get a new one and call you with the number.”

“Thank you, dear.” Taya held the phone cradled next to her ear not wanting to break the connection with her family.

Gabe was standing on the porch listening. He walked over and took her in his arms sheltering her. He took her phone and snapped a picture of the two of them together and sent it to her mother.

“Ma’am, my name is Gabe. You don’t know me but you’ll see me in the picture I just sent of me and Taya. I want to assure you that I will take care of her.”

Her mother’s voice broke as she cried.

Her dad’s voice came through the line. “Young man, you take care of my daughter. I’m going to hold you personally responsible for her wellbeing. Am I clear?”

“Yes sir.”

“Taya?”

Gabe handed her the phone back.

“Dad?”

“Your mother and I love you and we expect you to take care.” Her father’s voice was warm in her ear. “I love you, Taya,” her mom whispered.

“I love you too. I love both of you. Later.” She ended the call and there was a smile on her lips.

“Gabe, can I walk to town?”

There would be no more sneaking away until she knew what she was facing and how to defeat it.

“You should be fine, but I would feel better if I walked with you.”

“I would like that. Give me a few minutes to change.”

“Go ahead.”

She didn’t have much in her suitcases but she wanted to put on her sneakers for walking, change into a different pair of jeans, and grab a jacket. The air could still be a little nippy. In no time at all she was back on the porch. Gabe reached over and took her hand like it was natural. They walked into town quietly.

Her thoughts were all over the place because he wasn’t acting like she thought he would. Mike, her last boyfriend, used to pressure her into doing what he wanted. If she said no, it was like she waved a red flag in front of his face. Gabe wasn’t doing that. The time they spent in silence didn’t feel like punishment. It was more like a comfortable silence between lovers.

Not lovers. She resisted the urge to hit herself on the back of the hand and go naughty Taya.

“Was there any place in particular you wanted to go?”

Kill. Her. Now! There was no way in hell she was going to tell him she wanted to buy new panties just in case. Yep, no way.

“I wanted to hit a couple of stores, look at some clothes. You know, girl stuff.”

“Aww you should have said so, the females would have abducted you and taken you to the mall in the next town over where you can do real shopping. Their words not mine.”

“I will remember that for next time.” She gave him a smile.

“I’ll just hang around town waiting for you to finish. I’ve been trying to make my way to Victor and Cal’s art studio but I keep getting interrupted, maybe I’ll try again.”

“I’ll look for you when I’m done.” He squeezed her hand before he let it go.

She was standing in front of a store that looked like it catered to women’s lingerie. When was the last time she looked for intimate apparel? She honestly couldn’t remember, which meant it was too long.

She walked into the store past the jeans and a few dresses that were up front. This was a small town so the good stuff would be in the back where no one could see it from the street. A quick hand over her lips kept her from laughing out loud. She was right, this was lingerie heaven.

“Can I help you?” a sales lady asked as she walked up to her. Thank heaven she looked normal.

“I need to update my lingerie collection.”

“Aww you found a special someone. He must be special to attract such a nice looking woman.” She gave her an appreciative look before leading her over to some matching bras and panties.

“I’m betting with all those sinful curves you’d look good in this.”

She held up a little red number that made Taya lust after it. Yeah, lingerie was her thing, sort of like catnip for her.

“You’d look good in this too.”

Was the sales woman hitting on her? She ran her eyes over her body again. Yes! The sales woman was hitting on her. So what? Taya was into men but she knew beauty when she saw it and this woman was beautiful. What a way to get a confidence boost.

Before it was over she was sure she had twenty new pairs of barely there panties with bras to match and for once she didn’t care. Maybe, hopefully, even prayerfully, she might actually put them to use. How was she going to walk out without having at least a pair of pants to show off?

She picked out some clothes to add to her wardrobe and paid. Feeling much better, she walked to the entrance and ran into a woman who was blocking her path.

Taya came to a sudden stop a moue of worry on her face. “I’m so sorry, I didn’t see you there.

“That’s okay: it gets a little congested this time of day. There’s a side door that’s better for leaving. I can show you if you want?”

“Sure, that would be nice.” Taya could see the cat—like layer covering the female, but she knew shifters were generally not the enemy and this one seemed nice, sort of.

“Follow me.”

Were her teeth a little sharp when she smiled? Taya tried to tamp down her inner voice who was calling the female a bitch. In fact, she followed her because she felt guilty about making such a rash judgement.

“My name is Taya, what’s yours?

“Melissa, I shop here all the time. You’re going to appreciate what I’m about to show you.”

She led her to a door that didn’t seem like a standard exit. She opened the door and grabbed Taya shoving her out of it.

Taya found herself against the wall in a grimy alley with Melissa’s claws wrapped around her neck.

“Now here’s where the appreciation comes in. When I don’t gut you. I saw you with him.”

“Him?”

“Gabe, I want him and I’m going to have him even if it means killing you. When I’m done with him you can have him, if there’s anything left to have. Stay away from what’s mine.”

“Sorry, I didn’t know he was taken. When he was all over me last night your name never came up.” Did she have a death wish? Why couldn’t she just agree and walk away.

“You bitch.”

“Actually that’s my name for you, so back to the drawing board and let me go.”

“I’m going to kill you.”

“Not today.” She felt the fire begin to tickle her palm, she simply needed it a little bigger and then she could…yep, she could burn her. Taya hands pressed against her stomach.

Melissa howled and jumped back, her clothing on fire. Pulling her shirt over her head she was patting down her skin trying to stop the feeling of flames. She stomped closer to Taya even as her shirt burned on the ground.

“Do you really want to go for round two?” Taya flashed her palm with a flame burning brightly in it.

Melissa backed up. “This isn’t over.”

“Yeah, it is.” She slid down the wall when Melissa was no longer in sight. She was as weak as a kitten. It had taken everything she had to flash that last bit of flame. If Melissa had challenged her, she would have been defenseless.

The sound of footsteps coming her way made her flinch.

“It’s just me.” Gabe came out of the shadows.

“How long have you been here?”

“The whole time. I saw Melissa position herself in front of you at the last minute. When she led you away from the main entrance, I was pretty sure I knew where she was going. I came to watch and offer help if you needed it. You got rid of her all by yourself.” His voice held respect for her. Leaning over, he wrapped his arms around her helping her to her feet.

“Why didn’t you tell me about her?”

“There was nothing to tell. She comes around and I leave. I never thought it was more than her wanting to try out another alien.”

“She seems to have plans for you. Why am I so weak?”

“You were just drained by Zuhun three days ago. You’re nowhere near well or full capacity. Although you were strong to be able to conjure fire that quickly.”

“I don’t think I can walk back.” She hated admitting weakness but telling Gabe just felt right.

“Rylan’s coming.”

“When did you have time to call him?”

“Were twins, I don’t need a phone to call him.”

“Aww,” she picked up her bags and leaned against him as they walked to the edge of the alley.

“How was your shopping?”

Her face flushed red so she hid it. “It was good. Really good.”

“Maybe you’ll show me what you bought later when I’m all over you.” His laughter bounced around her.

Of course he heard that part and there was no being a gentleman and ignoring it. Heck, so what if it was wrong. She stopped and kissed him. Pressed her lips to his and when he opened his mouth, she slipped her tongue in. Heat sizzled along her nerve endings as he took over the kiss. His mouth conquered hers making the panties she was wearing wet. Her pussy clenched and her nipples saluted him before hardening into painful need.

Did she really think his first kiss was sweet? This one was panty melting and she wanted him right here in the alley where anyone could see. She didn’t care just as long as she was getting close to him.

“Ahem. Cough, cough. Seriously you two, why ask for a ride if you don’t want it?”

She pulled back to see Rylan leaning against the side of a vehicle waiting for them. Her face flamed red but she couldn’t bring herself to care.

“Ry, I thought I told you to take your time.”

“You did after I was already here. Before that I’m sure I picked up an urgency in your voice.”

Gabe grunted at his brother causing him to laugh. He helped Taya into the back seat and sat next to her.

“We need to get you home so you can lie down.”

“Some of us like to stand, sit, and in general try out new positions. Seems Gabe is a missionary sort of guy. Sorry, Taya.” Rylan’s eyes sparkled as he met hers in the rearview mirror.

Her mouth gaped open and then she started laughing. There was a happy feeling in her gut that told her that Rylan accepted her as part of the family.

“Ry, any time you need pointers just ask me. I’d hate to see my sister go unsatisfied.”

She shook her head, being an only child she wasn’t used to the back and forth but she liked it. Gabe pulled her into his arms allowing her to get comfortable. She drifted off not realizing how tired she truly was.

“Taya, wake up. We’re home.”

Home, she hadn’t had one of those in over a year. The thought curled around her brain, for a minute she wanted to make it true. To call this place and this male home. Good thing common sense was one of her best friends.

She sat up with her hand covering her mouth as she tried to discreetly yawn.

“Sorry I fell asleep on you.”

“I’m not.” Gabe walked around the vehicle and opened the door for her, taking her hand to help her out. “You should think about getting some sleep.”

She nodded before grabbing her packages and going inside the bed and breakfast.

“There you are,” Paige called out when she entered. “We’ve been looking for you. Wondering where you went.”