Beneath the Skin: de La Vega Cats, Book 3

  She agreed.

  “We need to declare a hunt.”

  She stilled as his fingertips continued to brush up and down her forearm. She’d only heard of such things as stories. “I never…I guess I thought those were old wives’ tales.”

  “My brothers and I have done it twice.”

  He didn’t elaborate, but she was sure they’d succeeded.

  “What can I do?”

  “This is not yours. The hunt will be me, Galen and Max. I have a feeling my father will join in as well.”

  “All right. What can I do other than the hunt?”

  “You’re doing it. But you have a job. You have to fly people around, and truth be told, I like that you’ll be out of harm’s way as much as possible.”

  Possible. Bah. If he needed her—and she’d decide that for herself—she’d be there, job or no. And she’d misjudged Grace Warden greatly if the other woman wouldn’t see it as far more important to be at Gibson’s side in a time of need instead of flying here or there. She’d heard stories about how Grace helped Cade in a challenge when he’d been dosed with a biological agent that would have killed him had she not come up with an antivirus that had saved his life.

  “Hm.”

  He sighed. “You’re going to do whatever you want. But you can’t come on the hunt. It’s not for…I don’t want you to see it.”

  “Is it bad? Do you think I’d judge you?”

  “No, it’s not that. I don’t think you would. I think you understand why this is necessary. But in a hunt the beast runs riot, even when it wears the man’s skin.” He recited the lines from an old story and it gave her a shiver.

  “I need to not be worried about anything but the hunt. I need you away from it and safe so I can give over to it. Do you understand?”

  She turned to face him. “Yes. I do. But I’m here when you come back.”

  He hugged her to him. “I know. Thank you.”

  Chapter Thirteen

  Her brother Joe had returned and she was on the way over to her parents’ to have a celebration dinner. She hadn’t seen much of them since she’d started her new job and after their discussion with her about living with Gibson. But she loved them and missed them and it was time to talk with them more honestly about just where this thing with Gibson was going.

  Joe stepped out onto the porch and caught sight of her, waving. She’d wanted to come alone, or with Gibson, but Gibson was at a meeting with his brothers to discuss some new information they’d found that afternoon. He’d offered to cancel to go to the dinner, but she knew the longer this situation went on without resolution, the worse he’d feel about it. He wanted things to be done and she agreed it would be better that way.

  Not that she cared about the feelings of this cousin and his family. Alberto had put them all in danger with his actions. Not to mention he’d tried to kill Mia as well as Gibson. He had to be put down like the rabid animal he was.

  But Gibson had insisted that she have a guard with her at all times so Robby rode out with her that evening. He’d politely declined going in for dinner. She knew it was a guard’s job to keep in the background, but it still felt weird.

  Robby laughed. “Really. It’s easier. Your family would be more nervous with me inside and I’d be distracted. I appreciate the invitation, though. I have a cooler with food and drinks.”

  He came around to let her out of the car, scanning the area, and stood back. “You know where I am if you need me.”

  “Thank you.”

  She headed up the walk where Joe had come out of the house and stood on the porch.

  “Who’s that?” Joe tipped his chin at the car as he gave her a hug.

  “My bodyguard. Let’s get inside. He’ll get nervous with me out in the open.”

  “What the hell, Mia? Mom and Dad told me a little, but clearly not the whole story.”

  They went inside, and she locked the door behind herself and kept him off to the side as she filled him in on everything.

  “Holy shit. Mia, this is trouble. This cat is trouble.”

  “Of course he is. That’s why they’re trying to find him.”

  “So why not stay away until they do?”

  “Because Gibson is my man. I’m in love with him, Joe. And I can help him so I do. He won’t let me do much really, so get that look off your face. If you think you all are protective, you have no idea what he’s like. Believe me, I’m as safe as I can be under the circumstances.”

  “You love him? Jesus.”

  “I do. I’m imprinting. He’s…I didn’t expect him. If you’d asked me three months ago who I’d end up with, it wouldn’t have been him. Or anyone like him. But now I can’t imagine it not being him. All I can ask is that everyone respects that. He’s not Silvio.”

  “I was just saying that.”

  Her grandmother spoke as she came into the living room. She tipped her cheek and Mia stroked her own along it. “Hey, Grandma.”

  “Come into the dining room. I’m about to talk about some things you’ll find interesting.”

  Joe widened his eyes as Lettie turned and left the room.

  Mia shrugged. You never knew what their grandmother would say or do so she just braced herself.

  Her mother waved, happy to see her when Mia came through. Her father kissed the top of her head when he came in from the garage with milk from the outside fridge.

  “Just in time. The roast is ready.”

  “Nice.” She grabbed a sliver of the meat when she moved to sit, and her dad whacked her fingers with a spoon.

  “Manners.”

  She grinned, sheepish.

  Plates were filled and small talk was made, no one mentioning her trip and her grandmother remaining silent about this revelation she had in store.

  “Tell us.” Her mother finally spoke after they’d had a few minutes to eat.

  Mia gave them a quick overview of the trip. She didn’t provide a lot of details because some of it was stuff she knew Gibson didn’t want to be common knowledge, and while she knew her parents could be trusted, it was just better if they kept it unspoken.

  Her mother slammed her fist on the table.

  “He’s not good for you. From the first moment you met him you’ve been in danger. I don’t approve.”

  She sighed, wishing things were different. But they weren’t. “I know you don’t. And I’m sorry because I want you to like him. He’s a good man. And I’m in love with him.”

  Her mother blew out a frustrated breath. “And how does he feel? You’re younger than he is. He’s got more experience. You can’t go loving a male like that. He has other priorities.”

  “You don’t even know him, Ellen.” It was Lettie who spoke that time.

  Mia sent a grateful look to her grandmother before continuing. “I believe he loves me too. And I believe he’s imprinting. He…he’s marked me.”

  Her father scrubbed his hands over his face and muttered something incoherent.

  “This isn’t what I want for you.”

  “Mom, I know. It’s not ideal. But it’s not his fault. This whole thing is from the outside. He has to protect the jamboree. When he does that, it’s all of us he keeps safe. Can’t you see that? If you only knew the price he paid for the cats in the jamboree. For his family. All I can ask from life is an honorable man. I have one.”

  “Honorable! This is why I have serious reservations about being involved with the jamboree again on a regular basis. All this constant drama and violence. Not to mention the harm they’ve caused your grandmother and our family. Have you given no thought at all to that?”

  She knew her mother was angry, but it was a slap and it hurt.

  Lettie put her fork down and wiped her mouth carefully. “I’ve had lunch with Imogene several times. I quite enjoy her and the truth of the matter is, there is no one left in that jamboree who had a thing to do with what happened to me. I believe quite strongly that none of them would do such a thing to anyone. Imogene is a good mother. H
er sons are not the same as Silvio.”

  “Except for Carlos. The one who sold information to the human hate groups like the one that nearly killed our daughter. Does no one remember that?”

  “Mom, please. Let her speak.” Joe squeezed Mia’s hand briefly.

  Lettie was the one to rap knuckles on the table this time. “What’s past is past. It happened to me and I have accepted Imogene’s apology. I think you’re totally wrong about Gibson and Mia. Mia is strong. She’s a smart woman who knows what she wants. She’s not some silly young thing who doesn’t know the difference between lust and love. I trust her with this and I think you should too.”

  It was unexpected, to say the least. But really, that’s who Lettie was. She spoke her mind, even when it wasn’t what everyone else thought or said.

  Drew cleared his throat. “As you know, I’ve been with Stacy for a year now and I’ve grown really close with her family. First, Mia’s not the only one who’s imprinting. We’re going to do the joining in the fall. We’re saving to buy a place together.”

  Mia raised her glass. “Congratulations!”

  There was much talk as their mother rushed over to hug him and ask a thousand questions. It took the heat off her for a bit, which made the news even better. She liked Drew with Stacy. They were a good couple and she’d be good to him.

  “More roast?” Joe put some on her plate, winking. “Hold on, punkin. We’ll get through this. Grandma is on your side.”

  “What about you?”

  He snorted and shoved a huge forkful of potatoes into his mouth. Once he’d finished inhaling it, he shook his head. “I’m always on your side.”

  “Okay, enough about the joining for the time being. I had another point.” Drew cleared his throat. “Dario is Stacy’s brother, as you all know. And he’s Gibson’s second. He respects Gibson. Trusts him with his life. And I trust that. I’ve seen Gibson look at her, Mom. He looks at her like she’s something miraculous and precious. I should hope that’s what you wanted for her. A man who adores her and would give his life for her.”

  She mouthed a thank-you and he nodded back.

  Mia’s grandmother cleared her throat and everyone quieted so she could speak. “I’ve accepted Imogene’s invitation to be an active part of the jamboree again. It’s time to let go of the past. Gibson and Mia, Drew and Stacy are our present and future. We should be focused on that. I worry for her. I know you do as well. But I trust Mia to know how to stay safe and who will keep her that way. Imogene tells me Gibson has never brought a female home. Ever. Mia is correct, the boy loves her. I had lasting, real love with Seamus. As you do with Jim, Ellen. Can you imagine your life without him?”

  Mia knew her mother had been swayed when she lost the rigidity of her spine with a sigh. Her father kissed her hand as they both looked to her.

  “Bring him around more often so we can get to know him. If he’s going to be part of the family I should at least know if he likes mashed potatoes or not.”

  She got back home to find several very large males in her house. There was so much testosterone in the air it took up nearly all the space inside.

  They looked up as she entered and she froze at the attention. “Hi.” She waved. “Don’t worry, I’m not staying. I’m going upstairs to bed.”

  “Wait, come in, please, Mia.” Max stood but it was Gibson who came to her and put his arms around her. “Hi.” He nuzzled her neck.

  The night was full of unexpected things apparently. It wasn’t that he’d never been affectionate to her in the company of others. He was. More by the day as they both became more comfortable with who they were becoming as a couple. But this was work stuff, and he was so focused on that he often forgot about everything else in the room.

  He drew her into the living room. “You know Max and my father already, but this is Armando, my youngest brother.”

  His little brother got up and came to her. Towering above her at easily six and a half feet. “It’s a pleasure to meet you. Even under the circumstances.”

  “He’s the family’s globetrotter so he’s been away but once he heard about you he demanded to meet you.” Galen kissed her cheek and Gibson coughed and it sounded very much like a growl.

  Galen only found that amusing and went back to sit down.

  “Out of the way, cretins.” Cesar patted the couch next to where he sat. “Come sit with me a moment.”

  Gibson looked back to his chair on the other side of the room and then to the couch, where there was no more room left. She nearly smiled at his dilemma.

  “Give it up. He does this with Renee and Kendra too. You have to deal with it.” Max kissed her cheek and then tipped his chin for Gibson to sit down. Which he did. Only on the arm of the couch right next to where Mia had settled in beside Cesar.

  “All right, boys. Stop poking at Gibson and tell me what’s up.”

  “We can’t be specific, but we’ll be away for a while. I don’t know how long. But I’m going to ask that you, Kendra and Renee submit to two bodyguards each and that you all stay at the house with Imogene.”

  “I have a job. I’m supposed to fly Grace to New York tomorrow morning. She’s speaking at a conference. I can’t let her down.”

  Cesar patted her hand. “That’s fine, querida. But you’ll have guards with you when you go. They’ll escort you to my home when you return. Where it’s safest.”

  She stifled her annoyance. “What do Kendra and Renee think?”

  “They’re fine with it.” Max shrugged.

  Galen choked. “Fine is maybe a little misleading. But they’re both submitting to this because they know we’ll all feel much better with you safe.”

  “All right. And if any of you get hurt I’m going to be really mad. I sleep with a Glock next to my bed so don’t think I’m joking. I will shoot you if you don’t make sure Gibson gets back here safely.”

  Cesar thought this was hilarious.

  “As if there was any doubt why she was perfect for me.”

  She jerked, surprised by Gibson’s words. It was the most outward declaration of their relationship he’d made, and she wanted to giggle. Instead she managed to hold it together.

  “I’ll be right back.” Gibson stood. “I’ll walk you upstairs.”

  She waved. “It was nice meeting you, Armando.”

  “We’ll talk soon, Mia. It was my pleasure meeting you.”

  “When are you leaving?” she asked quietly when they got to the bedroom.

  “I’ll drive you to National in the morning. You’ll be staying in my old room at my parents’ house. Robby is your primary guard. I’ve added Conrad as well. He’ll do your driving. I don’t know when we’ll be back. But I will be. Do you understand?”

  “I don’t understand much, but I trust you to come back.”

  “Mia…” He licked his lips. “Thank you for backing me.”

  “What else could I do? Hm? You need to do this. I know you do. And I know you’re strong enough and smart enough to not only come back, but to return victorious. Because you’re the Bringer.”

  “I love you.”

  She teared up. “Really?”

  He snorted. “Have I led you to believe I say things simply to fill up silence?”

  “I love you too.”

  “You’re my woman. I’m coming back for you and when I do, we’ll talk about imprinting and a bunch of other stuff.”

  She nodded. “And maybe whatever’s gotten into you.”

  “You have. I can’t lie to myself about what you make me feel. It’s silly and selfish not to share it with you.” He kissed her. “I’ve got to go back downstairs. I’ll be up when we’re finished. I’ll try not to wake you.”

  “Puhleeze. If I fall asleep and you don’t wake me when we’re all alone the night before you hie off on some sort of secret mission, I will kick you in the balls when I wake up.”

  He winced. “Oh all right. When you put it that way.” He kissed her hard and fast. “Be back in a while.” And he wa
s gone, leaving her smiling.

  “I need you to stay in human form.” Gibson spoke to his father, who waved a hand. It was day two of the hunt and time for the next step.

  “You don’t get to decide that.”

  “Of course I do. As Bringer this is my hunt.”

  “This is my jamboree.”

  “No, it’s my jamboree.” Max stuffed his clothes into a duffel bag and stashed it in a nearby stand of bushes.

  Gibson spoke to his father again. “You’re the judge. I need you as a human to keep the rules.”

  The hunt was ruled by the cat, by the animal the man wore beneath the skin. But this was more than that. They’d already been through the first part of the hunt. Had run this human to ground. This was the next step.

  They had some information. The human lawyer’s location—though he wasn’t a lawyer at all, but one of those fucking human hatemongers pretending to be a lawyer. They’d located him by chance and added what they’d found to the information the wolves had provided when they’d gotten access to a database and had run the pictures in a facial recognition program. Turns out he was on a watch list for hate groups and lived in nearby Framingham.

  They’d driven the three-quarters of an hour through spotty traffic and had arrived not too far from the house, which sat up off the road in a quiet neighborhood.

  They’d get their revenge, but they needed to find Alberto first. And for that, Cesar needed to remain human so he could call things to a halt before the cats took over and killed the human. They needed the information first.

  “Fine. But I will take on the cost. Do you hear me?” He glared at Gibson, who didn’t agree.

  “This is my job.”

  “You have done enough killing on behalf of this jamboree. I won’t have you bearing it all.”

  Max looked at his brother, the knowledge of that cost on his features. Gibson knew his brother carried some guilt about what he had to order done in the name of the jamboree. And then he glanced to Cesar, who’d also had to carry that weight when he was Alpha.

  “Gibson is the Bringer. It’s his role to decide. I will tell you which one of you gets to deliver the killing blow once we get what we need. Now let’s go.”