Their Cajun Queen, page 15
part #1 of Copper Creek Pack Series Series
Emma Grace nodded enthusiastically, and she scrambled quickly out of her bed and into Fiona’s. “When are we going home, Mommy?”
“Tomorrow, baby. I told the doctor tomorrow.”
“Good. I don’t want to be hered anymore.”
“Me either, baby.”
Not five minutes passed when Kell came back with Declan and Cade. The term “tall, dark, and handsome” didn’t even do them justice. She couldn’t stop staring at her mates; to be honest she really didn’t want to. She barely stopped herself from wiping her chin to make sure she wasn’t drooling. They must have gone back to the hotel room they had rented across from the hospital and showered. Declan’s damp hair was combed back from his face and Cade’s wavy locks were free from their usual leather thong and hanging down past his shoulders. Even though their personalities were almost completely opposite from each other, they always dressed in a similar fashion. Declan was wearing a tight plain black long sleeve cotton V-neck shirt that showed off his impressive chest and biceps, while Cade’s Henley also showed off his over developed shoulders. They were both wearing faded blue jeans that hugged their thighs and asses just oh-so right and some type of working cowboy boot. They were so impressive with clothes. They must look like Greek gods naked. It would be sensory overload to see them gloriously bare and she’d probably pass out, but it would be worth it. Fiona worked her way back up from their feet and the bulges behind their zippers snagged her attention. Yowza! The cock fairy had definitely blessed those two. Her mouth watered with the need to taste them. She wondered how they would taste. Would they be salty or spicy? Would they taste similar or, like their personalities, completely different?
She jumped at the clearing of a throat and her face heated with embarrassment. She had gotten lost in ogling, correction eye fucking Declan and Cade in front of not only Kell, but also her daughter. Seriously kill her now. She would act as if nothing happened? Good plan. She looked up at the throat clearer in question, Kell. Amusement lit his eyes, and she knew he was laughing on the inside. She gave him a silent warning. She kept her focus on everything else, but Declan and Cade. She couldn’t bring herself to look at them.
****
Cade bit his lips trying not to laugh at his mate. She was so damned adorable when she was embarrassed and flustered. She wanted them. Her body and her heart had already made the decision, but her mind was still warring between what was and what is. She could deny them all she wanted. She could say she wasn’t ready. That she needed more time. However, she couldn’t deny the want, need, and lust in her eyes when she looked at them. He wasn’t too proud to admit that he was shameless enough to use that.
He was in love with her and had been since the second he heard her voice. It had amazed him how quickly it had happened that instant spark of recognition had started a fire in his soul. A deep all-encompassing need to find and possess his mate. Even more startling was the pain he felt when he was apart from her and how quickly that pain faded when she was near. The tiny woman in the bed across from him trying to look so unaffected had become his entire world, and he hadn’t even claimed her yet. She and that sweet little cub filled him to the point of bursting. He glanced at his brother, and even though Declan wasn’t as vocal about it as Cade was, he knew Declan felt the same way. It had taken all his strength not to order everyone out, including Emma Grace, so he could fuck Fiona in to oblivion and claim her.
Fiona cleared her throat. “Did Kell explain why you’re here?”
“He did. I’m not sure doing this here is the best idea, mate. We should wait until we get to the ranch.” Declan folded his arms over his chest.
“That’s all well and good Declan, but I didn’t ask what you thought.”
Cade wanted to moan in frustration. These two were going to drive him to the looney bin. He was stuck between his hardheaded brother and an even more stubborn mate. As usual, Cade found himself trying to calm the waters of what was about to become a very volatile storm.
“Maybe, Declan’s right, angel. I mean someone could see.” Cade watched as Fiona’s quick mind worked. He could swear he saw the wheels turning as she worked to refute his claim and challenge his reasoning.
“Where are Hunter and Alan?”
“Outside.” Cade answered her reluctantly. Shit. He knew where she was going with this.
“They can guard the door and not let anyone in. You know do what they do best. Stand there all imposing like, scaring the nurses and growling at unsuspecting phlebotomists.”
Cade shook his head. Fiona had to learn she couldn’t go around challenging them and giving them that sassy attitude. No matter how sexy it was or how hard it made him. That tilt of her chin, the fire in her eyes, that sharp tongue, and that don’t fuck with me attitude, all rolled into one very tiny, yet fucking sexy as hell, curvy in all the right places package.
His brother started to growl, too low for Fiona or Emma Grace to hear it, but he could, as did Kell. Declan was going to explode at any minute, but now was not the time or the place to explain submission to Fiona.
Cade laid a hand on Declan’s right shoulder and spoke to him through their link. “Don’t. Not in front of Emma Grace.”
“She needs to learn that challenging me will earn her a red ass, Cade. I am alpha.”
“I agree, but now is not the time. Look at Emma Grace. She’s worried. She doesn’t understand what’s going on, only that something is. Feel Fiona’s anxiety.”
“I do feel it. We can’t let this go.”
“We won’t. We’ll discuss it at the ranch though, in private. Let’s just get through this. Talk to her Declan. Not at her.” Cade felt Declan begin to relax.
“Mommy? What are you talkin’ bout?”
“You know how we talked about going to the ranch with Declan and Cade? Well there are things about them that I have to tell you before we go there.”
Fiona looked up at them. “Once I tell her would you two please go in the bathroom and shift?”
Cade waited on Declan to respond. “No one at the ranch would do anything to frighten her, love.”
“I don’t want to take the chance that someone might slip up. Accidents happen. Also, we already started the conversation, and there is no turning back the clock with a three-year-old. There is no never mind. Will you, please?”
“How can I deny you when you ask so sweetly, love?”
“Mommy? Why would day scare me? Day are nice.”
“I know baby. Uncle Kell, his brothers, Declan, Cade, and all their friends are very special. They can do something really amazing. I want them to show you before we go with them, but you can’t tell anyone. It’s a very big secret. Only the people that live on the ranch know about it. Understand?”
“Yes, Mommy. Telling secrets is bad. People telled you secrets cuz day trust you and if you telled someone then day can’t be your friend anymore, right?”
“That’s right.” She kissed Emma Grace’s forehead. Fiona turned her attention to Cade and Declan and gave them a smile. “You have to keep the secret, unless Mr. Declan or Mr. Cade give you permission, okay? When it comes to their family and ranch, what they say goes. All right?”
The gesture may have been a small one, but it had a big impact on them, especially Declan. Cade could actually see the tension leave Declan’s shoulders. Fiona acknowledged their role as leaders of Copper Creek Pack. Cade knew Fiona didn’t include herself in their ‘family’, but that didn’t matter, because she was whether she believed it or not. Cade felt a little more settled inside.
“I won’t telled Mommy unless day say it’s okay, promise.”
Emma Grace sent them a smile and Cade couldn’t help but return it. Emma Grace’s smile was like a gift of pure sunshine.
“Good. What they can do is… their special gift is… they can turn into wolves.”
Emma Grace scrunched up her little eyebrows and tilted her head, then her big brown eyes went wide with fear. “Like little red riding hood?”
Fiona smiled, “No, not like the big bad wolf. They don’t eat little girls.”
“I heared dem growl, like doggies. It was funny.” She giggled. “Can I see?”
“Of course you can, baby girl.” Declan walked over and brushed a hand down her curls. “You have to promise me you won’t scream. Cade and I would never hurt you or your mommy okay?”
Emma Grace nodded. “Can I pet you and scratch your ears?”
Declan and Cade chuckled and nodded.
“Yes, you can. We actually like that.” Declan kissed her forehead and went to the bathroom door and looked in. He turned and looked and Cade. “There isn’t enough room for both of us in here. We’re going to have to do this one at a time.”
****
Not two minutes later a large wolf the same color as Declan’s hair emerged from the bathroom. He was larger than Kell’s wolf. Emma Grace let out a little “eep” before Fiona could cover her mouth with her hand. Declan sat on his haunches and his beautiful grey eyes stood out amongst all that dark fur and watched her with caution.
“Remember what I said, Cher. No screaming. Go ahead Cade.” Fiona barely registered Cade slipping silently into the bathroom. She couldn’t pull her eyes from Declan. He was magnificent. Declan tilted his head as if studying her reaction.
The bathroom door pushed open and once again, a large dark wolf emerged, this one had playful grey eyes and, as in human form, was slightly more muscular and taller than his brother. He stood next to Declan then he too sat on his haunches and waited. His tongue lolled out his mouth to one side, and he appeared to be smiling. Wouldn’t it figure, even in wolf form, he still had that mischievous bad boy smile?
Emma Grace pulled Fiona’s hand away from her mouth and whispered. “Mommy?”
“What baby?”
She pointed. “It’s Mithster Decwin and Mithster Cade.”
“I know.”
“Day are so pretty. Can I pet dem?”
Fiona looked at the men, uh, wolves in question. “Yes they are very pretty.” Kell snorted. Fiona cut her eyes at him. “Can you come over here so she can pet you?”
Both of them walked to the bed and jumped up on it. Cade settled his body in between Emma Grace’s legs and laid his head in her lap. Emma Grace emitted peals of laughter as she sank her fingers into his fur.
Declan carefully lowered himself in between Fiona’s legs and laid his head across her right thigh so Emma Grace could reach him and give him the same attention.
“Day are so soft Mommy. Listen, day are purring like Pincess. Day are so cute and cuddly. Day are so big. Can I ride them when we get to the ranch? I want to take naps with them betause they are soft and warm. Dat would be nice huh, Mommy?”
“Oh, man.” Kell’s humor was unmistakable. “I can’t wait to tell the guys. You keep talking pixie, this is gold.”
Declan growled at Kell and Kell ignored him.
Fiona ran her hand through the hair at the top of their heads and down their backs. Emma Grace was right they were soft, and they did purr, but Fiona didn’t mention since they were sensitive about the fact.
Kell caught her attention and tapped his wrist. Time was up. They risked a lot by doing this here for her; she wouldn’t risk them anymore.
“I hate to break up this mutual love fest, but Declan and Cade have to change back. We don’t want anyone to see them.” Emma Grace poked out her lower lip. “They can show you again at the ranch where it is safe, okay?”
“Kay, Mommy. Kisses.” Emma Grace puckered her lips at Cade and Declan, who proceeded to lick Emma Grace’s face making her squeal. Before she could warn them not to, they did the same to her. Yuck!
They jumped off the bed and one by one went into the bathroom to change back into their human form.
Chapter 19
Much to her utter delight and the men’s disappointment, they released Fiona from the hospital around noon on Thursday. Fiona couldn’t get out of there fast enough. She was annoyed at every testosterone laden penis bearer in her world, especially Declan and Cade. After the nurse went over all the aftercare instructions with Fiona, then again with Declan and Cade because they had questions–some more embarrassingly specific then others. Just thinking about that little scene reddened her cheeks.
If that wasn’t bad enough, there was the whole clothing debacle. Declan and Cade had gone to the local Walmart to buy her some clothes so she would have something to where. They bought her a few pairs of yoga pants, a couple of generic tank tops, an extra-large men’s shirt that would fit over her cast, and no underwear. According to Cade, they forgot. She didn’t believe them, must have been the smirk on his face. Unfortunately, Declan and Cade came into the room as she struggled to pull the long sleeve shirt over her cast. Declan helped and Cade stood to the side and watched, his focus never left her chest. Even now, all Fiona could do was shake her head and roll her eyes. She didn’t know whether to be flattered, pissed, or embarrassed. She kept reminding herself it could have been worse. She could have been naked.
Once discharge papers were signed, all the ‘security’ arrangements made, Cade, who forcefully insisted by pushing the orderly out of the way, pushed Fiona’s wheelchair down the hallway and towards freedom. Emma Grace found it amusing and all the nurses’ faces thought it was sweet. She and Emma Grace were completely surrounded. Looking at the men around them, Fiona had to admit they made a rather imposing, albeit good looking, sight. Emma Grace sat in her lap holding on to Declan’s hand as he walked next to them on her right. Kell was on her left. Hunter, one of Emma Grace’s “shadows” was in front, leading the way.
Past the sliding glass doors, Fiona saw the two dark SUV’s and Alan, Hunter’s brother and Emma Grace’s other ‘shadow’, stood next to one of them with his arms folded across his chest, his face blank of emotion, and his eyes covered in dark sunglasses. He looked very scary and imposing, until he spotted Emma Grace, then much to Fiona’s shock, he smiled. Everyone glanced down at Emma Grace, who was leaning and waving her pudgy little hand at Alan.
Her little girl was completely enamored with her big friends from the moment she met them. Fiona had thought they were entirely too big and freaking scary, even with assurances that they were trustworthy by Kell and her mates.
“Hello, Mithster Alan!” Emma Grace yelled her greeting when the doors slid open and they made their way into the sunshine and fresh air. Fiona took a deep breath as did the wolves around her.
“Hello, pixie,” Alan said, in that unmistakable baritone voice of his. “Are you ready to go home?”
“We are going to da ranch.” Emma Grace craned her neck to look up at the big man. “Are you coming too?”
“We are. Hunter and I will be in that car.” He told her, pointing at the second SUV. “You and your mommy are riding in this one.”
Alan plucked Emma Grace gently from Fiona’s lap. His hands were so big that his fingers and thumbs touched as he wrapped them around her middle to lift Emma Grace into his arms. He could crush her with little effort if he wanted, but he held her as if she was spun glass.
Fiona was surprised to find Lynn waiting in the SUV to ride back to the ranch with them. She really liked the woman. Shelly was her only female friend, and it was kind of nice to be able to call Lynn a friend, too. It was comforting to know that where they were going, there was another woman around she could count on to help with Emma Grace, if needed. Another woman she could spend time with to get away from all the testosterone that surrounded her, something Fiona was definitely not used to.
Fiona made sure Emma Grace was settled in her seat with Agnes and Kell’s IPad to keep her occupied for the two-hour drive to Copper Creek. They weren’t on the road long when Emma Grace’s panicked cry of, “Mommy!” filled the interior of the SUV. The sound of her desperation had every man in the SUV on alert. All of them had their hands on their weapons and were looking out the windows for the threat.
Fiona laughed. Her daughter needed a potty break. “Oh my word, stand down soldiers,” she was shaking her head and grinning. “We aren’t under attack. Emma Grace has to go to the bathroom. Kell, could you please stop at the nearest and cleanest looking gas station or truck stop? A national chain would be better they are usually cleaner.” She ran her hand over Emma Grace’s corkscrew curls. “It’s fine, cher. Uncle Kell will stop in a few minutes.”
“Kay Mommy.”
Declan turned around in the front seat and scowled at Emma Grace. Oh hell no. If he even thought of scolding her daughter for having to pee, they were going to have a problem. Fiona narrowed her gaze and to see how he handled the situation before she went all crazy Cajun on him.
Declan studied Emma Grace. “I thought you said you didn’t have to use the bathroom back at the hospital when your mommy asked, before we left.”
“I didn’t, Mithster Decwin.”
“That was only fifteen minutes ago. You are telling me you didn’t know fifteen minutes ago that you had to use the bathroom?”
“I wouldn’t lie about having to use da potty. Mommy said lying was bad.” Emma Grace folded her arms across her chest showing she was simply not happy with Declan and that little action was all it took for Fiona to step in.
“You think she’d lie about that?” Fiona practically growled at him. Cade squeezed her thigh and squeezed. She slapped his hand away.
Declan’s eyebrows raised in surprise at her tone and then something like regret flashed in his eyes. “I just thought she would know she had to use the bathroom fifteen minutes ago.”
“You’re really stuck on that fifteen minutes aren’t you? She’s two.”
Declan narrowed his eyes and opened his mouth to say something when Emma Grace cut him off.
“Almost three, Mommy.”
“Sorry, baby. She’s almost three.”
Emma Grace looked at Declan. “I’m sorry, Mithster Decwin, but I don’t always knowed when I have to go potty. Mommy says as I get older I will, but I still don’t sometimes.”
He smiled at Emma Grace, “I didn’t mean to make it sound like I thought you were lying Emma Grace. You are a good cub.”
