Reed: Bowen Boys (17 page)

“He told me about my son.” Reed got up to pace. “He said that he’d be coming by Christmas next year, and that I was to name him after a great man. When I pointed out that his name was taken, he laughed. Laughed like he’d done his whole life.”

Khan nodded. “And this great man, did he tell you who he was? I’m betting I can guess. Was it you?”

“Yes. He said that only a great man would protect what was his above all others. Only a great man would stand up for what was right and not run away with his tail between his legs at the first sign of trouble. He told me that leaving here was akin to killing the family.”

“It is, but it’s not entirely your fault. Mom was…she wasn’t handling it well, and you did what any of us would have done. I would have left just to keep the peace, just as you were about to do. But I couldn’t stand the fact that just when all of us were going to be home again, you were leaving. I need you here as much as the rest of us do.”

“Kerry is hurt.” Khan nodded. “I don’t know if she’ll come back. She said she won’t come between us, but she didn’t. Mom did.”

“She did, but I think…I know that she’ll beg Kerry to forgive her. Mom was sobbing when neither of you answered your phones.” Reed pulled out his phone and saw that he had nine voicemails, as well as about a dozen text messages. He looked at Khan.

“You think she’ll convince her to come back?” Khan laughed. “Yeah, I guess she will. Mom has always been able to make others see her way. But Kerry…Kerry is pretty stubborn too.”

“Christ, I hope so. Mom needs to have her ass handed to her on a platter. I’ve never been so afraid in my life as I was to see her giving up. It was bad enough to lose Dad, but her too?” Reed looked at the flower again. “What else did he tell you? I know you well enough to know by the look you have on your face that there was more. I’m not sure I want to know it, but tell me.”

“He said that without family, there was no life, and without life, there was no family.” Reed snorted now, but last night he’d been overwhelmed by the words. “He’s never been one to wax poetic before. But he’s right. I need you guys, but I need her more.”

Khan stood up and hugged him again. “Then I suggest you get this house back in order, bring back your cook, and get ready for your wife. I don’t think she’s going to be too terribly happy when she returns. She’ll have spent the better part of three hours with Mom. And that can be scary enough.”

Reed sat down after his brother left and looked around. The house had been shut down, cloths placed over furniture that had barely been used. The refrigerator had been emptied, as had the cabinets. All that remained was the car in the garage, which he had planned to sell, as well as his three suitcases. He looked up when he heard someone clear their throat.

“Sir,” Camps said softly. “Are we staying or going? Miss Caitlynne was very insistent that you needed me to return, and Miss Ama…she can be quite scary when the mood strikes her, can’t she?”

Reed stood up and nodded. “We’re staying. And you’re right, they’re all scary. But I have a feeling that Kerry is going to be livid when she returns. I’m thinking we’ll need to come up with something she likes…no, something she
loves
for dinner. Then, my man, I need for you to spend the night elsewhere. I’m going to seduce my wife, and I don’t want to worry that we’ll embarrass you.”

“Very good, sir. I shall stay at home tonight and have a lovely evening with a new book I’ve only just purchased. It’s about a vampire, a man named Aaron MacManus, and his kiss. There are fourteen of them. Will I be needed after all, you think?” Reed nodded. “Very good. Then I will hire a staff so that when the children come, we’ll be ready.”

Reed was going to work on the children part as soon as humanly possible.

Chapter 17

Kerry watched her mother-in-law as she sat across from her, smiling. She wanted to smack that smile right off her face, but was afraid of her. She’d done just what she said she’d do and gotten her on the flipping plane. Her uncle sat next to her. The two of them had ganged up on her when she’d come out of the realtor’s office in DC, and had nearly kidnapped her onto this thing.

“You should know that we’ve also stopped the sale of your house. Reed might not be happy with us either, but we’re going to make this work.” She glared at Corrine, but said nothing as she continued. “Also, we’re having a dinner party on Friday night, one to honor my late husband.”

“The one you accused me of killing?” Kerry hated that Corrine had said that to her when she’d come into the house that dreadful night. “I didn’t kill him any more than you did.”

“I know that. Now.”

Kerry was too wrapped up in her own hurt to realize what she’d said at first, and looked at her when said it sank in. “You said it was my fault. You told everyone that would listen that he was dead because of me. I tried to get the old buzzard to back the fuck off, but he wasn’t going to have it. He saved my life, as much as you hate that, but I wouldn’t be here but for him.”

“I know that too. He told me.” Kerry glanced at Uncle Burton, then back at Corrine. “He called on me last night and told me what a fool I was being. He said that I couldn’t die or I’d never get to see him in the afterlife. And that I needed…”

“So you decided to come to me and try to make things right. Sorry, but I just don’t care if you see him in your afterlife.” She felt spiteful for saying that, and knew that she’d hurt her. “Look, I was willing to move away so you’d not have to look at me anymore, for whatever reasons you have in your head. Since you never let me tell you what your mate said to tell you, you’ll have to get it from the rest of them. The ones that cared enough to know that I didn’t want him to die. I’m going back to DC as soon as this plane lands, and if you try to have me arrested again, I’ll…I’ll sue you. I need to move on with my life.”

“Kerry, I’m so—” She cut her off again, but she wasn’t having any of it. “I’m trying to tell you I was wrong, that I’m so sorry.”

“So am I.” She leaned back in her chair and tried hard not to cry. These people had meant so much to her, and now they…well, Corrine didn’t want her in her life any longer. She’d even had a graveside service for Norman and Dora because she didn’t want to overshadow the death of a great man. She wished now that she’d never met any of them.

“We still need to speak, you and me.” She looked at Uncle Burton. “We’ve a great deal to discuss about things that were left open. Can we talk before you go back?”

“No, I don’t think so. I’m going back as soon as this thing lands, even if I have to walk. Reed was supposed to follow me sometime today. Maybe we can leave together. I’m sure whatever you have to say to me can be said over the phone, or you can come out to visit us.” She heard Corrine sob and watched her as she left the large compartment they were in to go back to the back of the plane. “I’ve hurt her when all I wanted to do was leave her in peace.”

The rest of the ride was made in silence. Corrine returned after a bit and sat down, but she didn’t try to talk to her again. Kerry tried to reach out to Reed, but he wasn’t answering her, and she thought maybe that was for the best as well. She hoped that she had enough money to fly back, because right now she wasn’t sure what was going to happen when she landed.

When they got off the plane, she walked to the hangar behind the rest of them. She was still trying to figure out how much it would cost her to get a one way ticket when she saw Khan coming toward them. Instead of joining him when he hugged his mom, she detoured to the bathroom. This was not going to go well.

“Are you coming out of that stall, or do we have to come in there and get you?” She closed her eyes at the sound of Jack’s voice. “We can do it, you know. There’s enough magic out here now that we can blow this place apart without much effort.”

“Way to go, smart ass. I wouldn’t come out either if you threatened me.” She smiled at Jonny. “Why does everything have to be do or die with you? Can’t you just simply say, ‘We’d like to talk to you…can you get done peeing so we can?’ Doesn’t that sound better than ‘Come out or we blow the place up’?”

“I didn’t say that. I was simply pointing out that we could if—”

Someone cleared their throat, and she knew it was Ama.

“Let’s begin again, shall we?”

Kerry heard them say something low, and nearly laughed when Monica called someone a mouthy bitch. Something she thought would describe all of them.

“Get your ass out here now.” As Monica was her alpha, Kerry couldn’t ignore the command coming from Monica even if she wanted to. She just knew that they weren’t going away until they said their piece, and she wanted to get moving.

“Hey, why did you get to do that and I couldn’t?” Kerry looked at Jack when she huffed. “I could have ordered.”

“You threatened. See how much better my way worked? Now, we’re going to leave here and head for the closest bar and settle this thing.” They all turned as one to the door, but she didn’t move. Monica turned to look at her.

“I’m not going to be talked into anything. I’m going back.” Monica shook her head at her. “Yes I am. And short of shooting me, I’m not going to sit with you so you can convince me I overreacted.”

“You didn’t. Overreact, I mean. She did. And while I can see where you could be hurt, extremely hurt as a matter of fact, it doesn’t change the fact that she’s your husband’s mom.” Monica asked the others to leave, and each of them hugged Kerry before stepping out. “You can go if you want, but I can assure you that once you do, Reed will never return. I know you said that he could and bring the babies, but he won’t. Khan said that he wouldn’t if it was him. Not without me.”

“I didn’t kill him.” Monica took her into her arms as she cried. Kerry had been fighting the tears for so long that once they started to flow, there was no stopping them. She was nearly spent when she felt another set of arms around her and turned to see Reed. Monica left them when Kerry went to his arms.

“I’ve been out there waiting for you to come out. When I felt you crying, I couldn’t wait any longer.” She nodded and took the wad of toilet paper he handed her. “I don’t suppose you want to go back to the house with me?”

She didn’t but said nothing. Kerry wanted him right now and licked his throat. He moaned and tilted his head back more for her. They were nearly to the point of her throwing him to the floor and having him right there. Kerry looked up at him when her cat stirred hard against her skin.

“You’re in heat. I can smell it.” He leaned down and took her mouth hungrily, and she answered in kind. “I want you. Christ, you’re making me hard as stone.”

He rocked into her and she moved her hand down to his cock and cupped him. When he rocked into her palm, she felt her body respond hard, quick, and wet.

“You’re not going to leave here without me taking you.” He picked her up and took her to the counter. “The others are keeping people away. Monica said it would be her pleasure. But all I can think of is yours. I need you.”

“Yes now. Please now.” She knew what he’d said; she was in heat. She also knew from talking to the others one evening that being in heat was like a never-ending fuck fest. She couldn’t get enough of him, and he would do anything to come inside of her. It lasted an entire week sometimes; Ama told her ten days if she was lucky.

Reed lifted her skirt up, and she felt the cold tile under her seconds later. He was dropping to his knees in front of her when she leaned back against the cool glass. He lifted her legs up to his shoulders and tore her panties from her.

“Come in my mouth. When I drink from you, I want you to come hard and often until I get my fill. Then I’m going to fuck you hard by bending you over this counter and taking you from behind.” She nodded, unable to do anything else. “Christ baby, you smell delicious.”

He nipped at her clit twice before she came. He’d never get enough of her, and when he lapped hungrily at her, she curled her fingers into his hair and held him to her. Giving her what she wanted, he slid his finger into her and reached deep inside of her until he found the spot that he wanted. When she came this time, she screamed out his name and squeezed him tightly with her thighs. He needed her now.

Standing up, he jerked her to him and took her mouth while he pulled her off the counter. He was aching now, needed to come inside of her like he needed his next breath. And the returning hunger from her made him think she was just as needy. Turning her around, Reed pressed her to the counter so that her face was lying against the surface. Opening his pants, he freed his cock and slammed into her almost in the same instant.

Her scream fueled him. Grabbing her hips, he pulled her toward him with each pound into her. When he looked into the mirror, he saw the most beautiful face in the world. His balls tightened up, and he leaned over. Jerking her blouse down, he bit her.

Blood filled his mouth as she came again, tightening around him until he couldn’t move. When she pulled his wrist to her mouth and bit him, he felt his cock release and his balls empty. Christ, he thought as he closed his eyes at the sensations. He was going to die just like this.

Lying over her, he felt her giggle. His body was spent, but the feel of her so happy had his cock stirring again. Telling him to behave, he pushed the hair off her face and looked down at her. She smiled up at him.

“Is it going to be like this the entire time I’m in heat?” He kissed her gently and lifted from her. She moaned when he stepped back, making him want to take her again. “If so, we’re going to have to stay home. This could be dangerous for us to be caught with our pants literally down around our ankles.”

Reed helped her stand and held her while she regained her equilibrium. When she nodded that she was okay, she stepped back, and he adjusted his pants. He had broken off the button so he had to pull his shirt down over the damage. Handing her the panties he’d torn off her, he laughed when she tossed them into the trash. Reed retrieved them.

“I don’t want anyone seeing these and taking them home as a sort of trophy. You’re mine.” They were moving toward the door to exit the restroom when he felt his brother touch his mind. Khan didn’t seem all that happy with him. And his words confirmed it.

You do know that we’re all out here waiting on the two of you, don’t you? I mean, you couldn’t wait until you got her home, or at the very least the limo?
Reed laughed.
This is not funny. Do you know how many people are standing around waiting to use the bathroom because they had no idea my little brother couldn’t keep his dick in his pants?

She’s in heat.
That shut him up.
So, no, I couldn’t wait. I want her having my child, and as soon as possible.

I didn’t know. I’m sorry. I’ve been there, and the police are not—
Khan took a deep breath.
Never you mind. Let’s just get you two home, shall we?

They exited the restroom and were engulfed in hugs. His mother avoided Kerry, which surprised him a little. He’d been assured that she’d be able to fix the problem between the two of them. Apparently not. He hugged his mom and held her for just a few minutes when she didn’t seem to want to let him go.

“I’m so sorry.” He kissed her forehead. “I hurt her so badly and now I can’t fix it. I wish I had simply…there are no words I can say to make this up to the two of you.”

“Mrs. Bowen? Corrine?” They both turned to Kerry when she stood just behind them. “I’m sorry. I realize how much I hurt you by asking your husband to go with me to the house that day. I should have taken…I should have gone alone.”

“You would have died had you not taken him.” Kerry didn’t answer his mom, which to him said so much. “He saved your life because there was no way that he couldn’t. He was an old fool, but he was a good man. A great man. He would never have forgiven himself if you had died that day. I know that now.”

“He said that you’d be mad at him. He told me that he loved you very much.” His mom nodded and put her head on Reed’s shoulder. “George was an honorable man and a great father. I only wish I had known him longer. I’m so sorry.”

Kerry started to walk away when his mom pulled her back and held her. Kerry looked at him over her shoulder and mouthed that she loved him. And he felt his heart overflow with it. Stepping to the two women in his life that meant more to him than anything in this world, he hugged them as well. Soon the rest of them joined them. They must have looked ridiculous standing in the middle of a semi-busy airport having a group hug. But right now, all he could think about was that he had them all there and he was so very lucky.

“We need to get home.” Khan started moving them to the exit as he spoke. “Camps has made lunch for us all, and I was supposed to have us back there an hour ago.”

As they moved to the three limos, Reed found himself sharing one with Kerry and her uncle. The man was very nice, but he kept saying that he needed to talk to them both and wondered if now would be all right.

“I don’t know what you think there is to say.” Kerry leaned against him as she spoke to her uncle. “I know you want to tell me about my mom, and I’ve no problem with that, but right now is not a good time. I’m sort of feeling drained right now.”