Chapter Eighteen
Ezra
Leaning against the building, I wait for Mom to arrive.
Everyone was fed, and Issy helped me clean up the kitchen while everyone else helped Rylee pick out clothes.
I could have told her she could have worn my shirt and nothing else, and my mom wouldn’t care.
Growing up with women, I did not. I smiled and let them take my mate away.
I expect more of her family will show up.
I get the feeling that when Sally puts out the call, they come.
Since we met, I’ve taken them in stride, knowing they are a part of her life, and I have to accept it.
Now, I’m enjoying it. The personalities are varied, and their gifts are vast. I can see myself within the mix.
The best thing about it is that Mom and Issy will get the big family they have always wanted.
It was always the three of us against the world.
In giving them their dream, I get the woman of mine.
I stand straight as a shiny black car pulls to the curb.
Walking forward, Mom doesn’t wait for me to open her door.
She bursts out, her wide smile shining my way.
I’ve always been amazed at the lust for life she has given all the shit she’s been through.
She is dressed as she always is, in ripped jeans and a flannel unbuttoned over a tank top.
“My boy,” she gushes, throwing herself in my arms.
“Momma,” I respond, hugging her tight. “Missed you.”
“You look amazing. The mating bond has done you good.” She pulls away, gripping my arms. “Where is she?”
“She’s in the apartment.”
“Do I look okay?” she asks, releasing me, and smoothing her hands down her shirt.
“Perfect.” I grin. “Where are your bags?” The car pulls away.
“Issy arranged it. The service is delivering them to the hotel. I was wrinkled on the plane, so I stopped in the airport bathroom and changed.”
“Of course you did.” I shake my head, turn, and guide her toward the building. “I have to warn you.”
“What did you do?” she asks.
“What makes you think I did something?”
“I raised you,” she says dryly.
I roll my eyes. “I was saying, some of her family is here.”
“Oh, goody. We always wanted a big family.”
“I should have known that would be your response.” I open the door for her. “They are excited to welcome you.”
“I’m thrilled to be welcomed.” She laughs, almost skipping beside me.
“You have to promise me something,” I say, and press the button for the elevator.
“Anything.”
“Whatever you do, whatever they say, you won’t go out on the town with the rabbit,” I say seriously, and the doors slide open.
“Sally?” She enters the elevator, and I freeze.
“What? How do you—” Fuck, Issy. I hold out my arm as the doors begin to close, and join her inside.
“She called me last night. They were having a wonderful time. Why can’t I go?”
“Trouble. All of you would get in serious trouble.”
“Shit, I was getting into trouble long before you came along,” she snarks, crossing her arms.
“I don’t want to hear it.” I narrow my eyes.
“Son, I lived a life before kids.” She lifts her chin. “And after.”
“No.”
She rolls her eyes. “If I want to go out with Sally, I will.” She moves as we arrive on Rylee’s floor. “You have money for bail, right?” She smirks, and I point in the direction of the door.
“Fuck.”
I roll my shoulders and swing the door open. Mom clasps her hands silently and moves past me. Shutting the door behind us, I pause as Rylee moves forward. She’s wearing dark, tight jeans and a white, flowy shirt. I want to kick everyone out and spend the day with her.
“Hey,” she says, smiling slightly.
“Baby, this is my mom, Alanna.”
“Good job,” Mom mutters to me and moves closer to Rylee. “You’re stunning. I’m so lucky I get such a beautiful new daughter.”
“Oh, that’s so nice,” Rylee whispers, and Mom hugs her.
“Ezra has told me how lovely you are,” she continues. “I’m excited to spend some time with you.”
“Mom,” I say quietly, and she lets go of my mate.
“What? Wouldn’t it be bad if I didn’t?” She glares at me.
“Ezra just wants to make me comfortable.” Rylee smiles gently. “He’s told me stories. I’d like to hear some from you.”
“Aren’t you sweet?” Mom’s glare intensifies. “See, she wants to talk to me.”
“I really hope there aren’t any baby pictures in your bag,” I say.
“We’ll see,” she sings, and threads her arm through Rylee’s. “Show me your place, daughter.”
They walk away, and I grin.
“Nice touch,” Sally whispers.
“What?” I widen my eyes.
“Uh-huh.” She shakes her head with a smile and joins the others in the living room.
Perhaps I wanted to break the ice, and the easiest way to do that is to provoke my mom. The tension in my mate's frame is gone, and she is talking about her books. Mom drags her fingers over the spines, her smile wide.
“Did you notice she didn’t greet her other daughter?” Issy pouts, sliding next to me.
“I thought you talked last night,” I say, and her eye twitches. “And this morning,” I continue.
“So? What’s your point?”
“Do I need to answer that?” I tilt my head.
She sighs. “I suppose not.”
“Good. Quit being a brat, and go greet your mom,” I say sternly.
“Ass,” she hisses, but walks away.
Just as I thought, visitors arrive. First, Heath and Juliana.
Next, the lions and bears. Micah strolls through the open door with Daisy.
Kade and Cash follow them, still looking at me with distrust. I grin, and they narrow their eyes.
I get it. They want to protect Rylee, but no one will scare me off.
I give up and stand by the door, welcoming the crew and watching Rylee laugh with my family.
I worried that I wouldn’t like being surrounded by people.
Seeing Rylee relax and enjoy the family's attention, I realize that even if I didn’t, I would get comfortable with anything as long as she is happy.
“Be right back,” I say softly to Rylee.
“Okay.” She smiles, and I trail my hand over her hair before walking away.
The party has been going strong for two hours.
The family is discussing what to order for lunch, and I didn’t realize how important food is to them.
There have been subtle arguments, and some not-so-subtle ones.
River and Sally are the most opinionated.
Mom is getting along with everyone, and I’ve seen her huddling with Sally numerous times.
Seeing the lions again wasn’t as bad as last night.
I’ll adjust, and it helps to see them be so attentive to their mate.
I slip out the door and walk down the hallway. Shade has been calling, and I put off calling him back until I knew Rylee was perfectly content with everyone in her home. Hitting his name, the phone doesn’t even ring before he answers.
“Fuck, it’s about time,” he grumbles.
“Been a little busy, as you know,” I say quietly.
“I know. I thought you would want to know Charlie has been circling the block.”
I freeze at the top of the stairs. “What?”
“He started the morning by driving by. An hour later, he began going around the block numerous times. Right now, he’s sitting in his car, his head on a swivel.”
“Motherfucker,” I hiss.
“I would have called sooner, but I had a rough night. I wish I had checked before I did.”
“Send me a picture of the vehicle,” I demand.
“What are you going to do?”
“Kill him.”
I hang up and grip the balcony. Exhaling roughly, I attempt to control my emotions. I need to take care of him. Telling Rylee will only upset her. I debate going back in to explain or make an excuse. My mark will alert her of my rage if I’m not careful.
Instead, I pace down the hall and wait for the elevator.
Shade sends a picture. Charlie is sitting on the right side of the building.
My car is in front of the left. At his angle, I should be able to get my supplies without his notice.
I move quickly as the doors open. I scroll to Rylee’s name and send her a message.
“Had to go out. Be back soon.”
There is no response, so hopefully she won’t worry. In case she does, I text Heath.
“I had to take care of something. Don’t let Rylee worry.”
He replies instantly.
“Should she worry?”
“Probably not. I shouldn’t be long.”
I reach the lobby and put my phone away.
Stopping at the doors, I change my image.
He may have moved his car, and I’m depending on the element of surprise.
Moving toward my vehicle, I enter the code on the door since I didn’t get my keys, and grab the bag in the back.
Pulling it in front of me, I get my gloves and slide my hands inside.
I select two knives, zip ties, and tape, and put on a baseball cap.
I secure the car, ensure my power is in place, and scan the parking lot.
Moving slowly, I walk toward the other side of the lot.
He’s not in front of the building, so I make my way to the side where he was seen.
I hug the wall, searching as I progress.
Once I reach the corner, I pause and look around it.
Asshole is still there. Charlie is looking my way, so I ease back for a second before looking again.
I wait until he is facing away, and sprint toward the back of his SUV.
He doesn’t notice me until I’m beside the open window, and before he can utter a word, I grab the back of his head.
Slamming his face against the steering wheel, I reveal my true face and open his door.
“What the—”
“Damn, Charlie.” I heave him to the passenger seat and get in. “That’s a lot of blood. You shouldn’t talk.” I start the car, put the tape on the armrest, and grab my phone.
“You’re crazy,” he squeals.
“Now, that’s debatable.” I hit Shade’s name as I start to drive.
“You can’t—”
“Can and will,” I interrupt.
“What’s going on?” Shade asks.
“Send me Charlie’s address,” I say, pulling out of the parking lot.
“What the hell? You’re kidnapping me?” Charlie grabs my arm, and I elbow him in the face. He slumps over, out cold.